WASHINGTON – Frederick County has hired Lori Depies to be the county manager.

She’s the first woman to hold the position in this Western Maryland community.

Blaine Young, president of the Frederick County Board of Commissioners, says the commissioners hired Depies for her skills and experience, not her gender.

“We look at talent. We don’t look at sex or color,” says Young.

Depies previous served as the county’s finance director and treasury director, which provided providing her with the budget and finance background county officials sought.

“They didn’t appoint a woman, they appointed a good manager,” Depies says.

“I was honored and thrilled when they asked me to be county manager. And I had no idea that there had not been a female county manager prior to my appointment.”

The board announced Depies’ appointment in September. She replaces David Dunn, who was named as the commissioners’ liaison as part of a restructuring plan that aims to save $350,000.

As manager, Depies oversee county programs and services.

In his new role, Dunn will interact with government and business groups with a focus on improving communication and relationships, according to a county news release.

WTOP’s David Burd contributed to this report. Follow David and WTOP on Twitter.

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