(3/1) Susan Reeder Jessee, a lifelong resident of Frederick County has announced her candidacy for Frederick County Council At Large. "My deep desire to serve the citizens of Frederick County never left since my candidacy in 2014. Running for office was truly an amazing experience, and the best part was meeting and talking with citizens and businesses throughout the county about the issues that are most important to them." Susan’s exposure to politics started at an early age with both parents, Odette and Bruce Reeder serving collectively for 28 years in Frederick County. "It would be an honor to continue their legacy of public service."

Susan is concerned about many issues in Frederick County. The heroin epidemic, our elderly going to bed hungry, school capacity needs, roads that are gridlocked are just a few of her concerns. Attracting and growing businesses with family supporting wages, keeping our first responders and citizens safe, supporting affordable housing initiatives, working to maintain "balanced" growth, and maintaining the beauty of our county’s parks and streams that once lost, can never be recovered are also things Susan is concerned about. "I have spent decades working with internal and external clients, solving problems, getting things done, and would bring this experience to the council. I can talk and work with anyone in a civil and professional manner and the citizens of Frederick County deserve representatives that do this."

Growing up Susan worked on her family farm growing lots of produce every summer. "Working on the farm with my family made me really appreciate how important agricultural is to this county then and now." She is a proud graduate of the Frederick County Public School system and found her love for science in 10th grade Biology. "My teacher helped me find my passion which lead to my career and I will never forget the impact a teacher has on their students." She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and MBA from Hood College. Her professional background includes working as a scientist at the start of her career, including six years on the Fort Detrick campus, and then spent the next 20+ years on the business side of science. She currently works as a Project Manager for a biotech company. "My experience and knowledge of working in the biotech industry and on multi-million dollar budgets is a benefit I will bring to the council as well." Her background also includes experience in economic development which helps greatly in understanding the complexity of business retention and recruitment while maintaining a diversified industrial base. "Businesses looking to grow or locate here are concerned with schools, skilled workforce, lower costs, location, and quality of life and Frederick County has it all!" Susan’s husband opened a small business in the City of Frederick in 1985, so she also understands what struggles small business owners face on a daily basis.

Susan is married to Lawrence Jessee, has two grown children Matthew and Emily and lives in Middletown. She currently serves on the Fire and Rescue Advisory Board, previously served on the Friends of Meals on Wheels Board, was an original board member of the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI), served on the client selection committee at FITCI from 2004-2011, and on the MdBio Program Committee with the Tech Council of Maryland. She also volunteered in many different things while her kids were in school as any proud mom would do. If elected, Susan will bring to the council her background, knowledge, and her passion for listening to all the citizens and businesses of Frederick County.