What makes Frederick County special?
I moved my family to Frederick County more than forty years ago, shortly after accepting a teaching assignment here.  Initially, I was stuck by the sheer natural beauty of the county and I felt this would be a great place to live and raise a family.  As I learned more about the school system and the community, my first impressions of Frederick County were well supported.   When you care about your community, you commit to serving it and that is exactly what we did as a family in a variety of ways over the years.

I am most proud to say that my entire career in education was spent servicing this community.  The first time I stepped into a classroom as a junior high school social studies teacher, I knew I was in the right place to follow my passion for learn and teaching.  My first eighteen years were spent doing something I absolutely loved, teaching.  From the classroom, I moved into administration as a middle school assistant principal and later a central office administrator leading Frederick County Public School’s Gifted Education initiatives and Multicultural education efforts.  I also had the honor of teaching a graduate level course at Hood College.  This course was designed to help classroom teachers better address the diverse cultural and academic needs of their students.

What makes Frederick Community College special?
Our Community College plays a critical role this community.  Exposure is fundamental to education.  FCC provides opportunities for students to receive critical academic and technical skills at an affordable cost.  The College’s traditional and alternative learning environment exponentially increases opportunities for those seeking to improve their life through education and skills building.

It has been inspiring to watch the College access, adjust and expand to better meet the needs of our growing community.  A strong and viable community college is an invaluable asset to its community.   Frederick County Community College is exactly that.

BIO
Theodore (Ted) Luck is originally from Washington D.C.   He has had a long career in education, first with Frederick County Public Schools as a classroom teacher and a building level administrator before moving to a supervisory position in the school system’s central office as Supervisor of Gifted and Talented Education and Education That is Multicultural. Luck was responsible for the development and delivery of diversity training for school system personnel including classroom teachers, bus drivers and cafeteria workers.

Luck is a former adjunct instructor in the Educational Leadership program in the Graduate School at Hood College.  For eleven years he taught a course entitled, ‘Educational Philosophy in a Diverse Society’. Educators from multiple school districts took advantage of this course designed to provide classroom teachers with critical pedagogical skills necessary to improve their cultural proficiencies as they work with increasingly diverse student populations. 

After retiring from Frederick County Public Schools, Luck accepted a staff position at Hood College, Director of Student Success and Outreach.  In this position he chaired a committee focused on student retention.

Luck has served in various capacities on numerous nonprofit boards in Frederick County including The United Way of Frederick County, Advocates for Homeless Families, Maryland Sheriff Youth Ranch and Frederick Memorial Hospital.  He is currently serving in various capacities with The Community Foundation of Frederick County, the Frederick Arts Council, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Lambda Lambda Chapter and the Rotary Club of Frederick.  

Luck earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History with a minor in Art at the District of Columbia Teacher’s College in Washington, D. C. and a Masters of Arts in School Administration and Supervision from Hood College. He received the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Award for Outstanding Administrator in Gifted Education as well an Award from MSDE for Outstanding Contributions to Minority Student Achievement.

Luck lives in Frederick County with his wife, Alyce, of 48 years. They have a daughter Tracie and a son T.J. (deceased).
He enjoys acrylic painting, photography and traveling.
 
 
 

What makes FCC special?
The College is truly a community and I feel a part of it. I’m very grateful for that. FCC has great educators and a great administration. It is a critical piece of the education equation for all students in Frederick County. FCC provides a quality education at a very reasonable cost. Students can start taking classes while still in high school and can save a fortune in long-term education expenses. I also appreciate that FCC is a place that has a real commitment to lifelong learning. As a result, the student body can be from 15 years of age to as old as you can count. It’s wonderful.

What have you learned about FCC from your time as a Trustee?
I learn something new about FCC every day and that’s one of the great joys of being a Trustee. I have come to appreciate more fully how FCC is a resource to the Frederick business community in many different ways. The College offers workforce training, retraining, and of course student internships. We provide expertise when businesses call on us for assistance. FCC is the avenue that provides multiple pathways for learning, development, and training that lead to positive employment opportunities.

How did you get into law and how does it help you in your role as a Trustee?
I love problem solving – that’s the long and short of it. I went into law to develop skills that would enable me to make a positive difference in the world in some way.  Thankfully, I learned that I have a mind that operates with logic and discipline. As you get more senior, one of the blessings that comes with experience is patience and the ability to make better judgments and be a better problem solver. Your skill set grows as your maturity grows. Being a lawyer requires strong listening and communication skills. When you work as a lawyer, you deal every day with differences of opinion. You learn to digest and understand different opinions without personalizing or demonizing. You learn that sometimes people will have an honest difference of opinion, and that’s okay. You work to build consensus knowing it’s not about the individual people, it’s about the problem and how to solve it.

Both you and your wife, Karlys Kline, are very involved in community service. Why is it so important to you to find ways to support and serve the community?
Karlys and I do our best to be a team for good. We love Frederick County so much that we hardly ever want to go away on vacation because we’d rather be here. We try to make Frederick a better place each day, whether it’s through supporting the Community Foundation, the YMCA, the Chamber of Commerce, or the Women’s Giving Circle. There is so much beauty that comes from giving of yourself. What you give in service comes back to you 1,000 times over in joy and satisfaction.

Bio
Tom Lynch has been an active member of the legal profession and the Maryland State Bar Association for 43 years, 40 of which were spent with the law firm of Miles and Stockbridge, P.C., from which he retired on April 30, 2021. He has a small consulting firm of his own now and looks forward to doing more mediations and arbitrations as a neutral.
 
Lynch’s diverse legal experience includes concentrations in litigation, environmental law, and business advisory work. He also has been involved for years as a neutral in dispute resolution, including serving as a mediator and arbitrator.
 
Lynch is also known for his broad knowledge and experience on ethics issues. He has participated as a member of the Maryland State Bar Ethics Committee since 1990, making him the longest current serving member.
 
He has served in leadership roles for numerous community organizations such as Chamber of Commerce of Frederick County (Executive Committee member and Board Chair), the Frederick County Solid Waste Advisory Committee (member and then Chair), the Frederick County Board of Education Ethics Committee (member and then Chair), the Community Foundation of Frederick County (member and then Chair), the YMCA (board member), Daybreak Adult Day Care, Inc. (board member), the Church of the Brethren Learning Center (board member), and the Committee for Frederick County (Chair). He currently serves on the Business and Industry Cabinet of the Frederick County Executive. In addition, he is the immediate past President of the Maryland Bar Foundation, Inc.
 
In 2003, Lynch was honored as the recipient of a “Leadership in the Law” Award from The Daily Record and, in 2011, was honored by the Frederick County Bar Association with the W. Jerome Offutt Award for Professionalism.
 
Lynch received his Bachelor of Arts in Government and Philosophy from Harvard University (Magna Cum Laude) in 1974 and his law degree from Boston College Law School (Cum Laude and Order of the Coif) in 1977.
 
 

What lessons from your public service experience do you hope to bring to the FCC Board of Trustees?
My decades of public service have taught me that strong relationships and trust are the foundation of effective leadership. I’ve worked closely with government partners, businesses, and nonprofits to solve problems and serve our community. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that change is constant—and community colleges like FCC play a vital role in helping people embrace change through lifelong learning. FCC is incredibly effective at preparing individuals to explore their interests, shift careers, and pursue new opportunities.

What inspires your passion for public education, transparency, and community engagement?
My passion for education began in childhood—growing up with an educator and a librarian who instilled in me the value of learning. Education is the key to participation in democracy and economic mobility. Community colleges offer affordable, high-quality opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. I also believe deeply in civic engagement. As a public education advocate, I saw how empowering it is when people feel they have a voice. Transparency and collaboration foster ownership and progress.

How does being a parent and grandparent shape your views on education and opportunity at FCC?
As a parent and grandparent, I’ve always wanted the best for my children and grandchildren—and I want the same for all students at FCC. Community colleges are essential in offering flexible, low-cost education that meets the needs of local employers and diverse learners. In today’s divided world, we must give students the tools to lead, connect, and understand one another. FCC helps students do that while pursuing their dreams with purpose and unity.

Bio
Jan H. Gardner has dedicated much of adult life to public service exemplified by 20 years in elected office. Jan was elected as Frederick County’s first County Executive in 2014 and completed her second term in 2022. She previously served as a Frederick County Commissioner from 1998 to 2010, including four years as President of the Board.

Jan Gardner’s priorities during her years of public service focused on public education, creating a thriving economy, senior services, and meeting community needs. Jan leaves a legacy of public libraries, numerous new public schools and parks, fare free Transit services, and the Livable Frederick Master Plan which guides county actions yet today.

Jan values open and transparent government, public engagement, and fairness for all. Jan brings her passion for public education and her values to the work of the Frederick Community College Board of Trustees.

Jan Gardner earned an MBA from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH and a BBA in Finance and Economics from the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN. Ms. Gardner graduated from the Rawlings Leadership Training Program through the University of Maryland. She was awarded the President’s Medal for Leadership from St. John’s Catholic Preparatory School and the Theodore W. Stephens Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to Human Relations. She was named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by the Daily Record three times and is a member of the Circle of Excellence.
 
Ms. Gardner’s public service includes the Board of Directors for the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) for more than 10 years. She served as the President of MACo in 2007. She has been a member of the state-wide Workgroup on the Assessment and Funding of School Facilities, the Frederick County Fire and Rescue Advisory Board, and the Tourism Council of Frederick County Board of Directors. Her business experience includes accounting, operations planning and new product development for the Quaker Oats Company, a Fortune 100 company.
 
Jan currently serves on the Board of the United Way of Frederick County; the Family Connects Advisory Boards and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek.

Gardner and her husband John are the proud parents of three adult children and four grandchildren.

Why is Frederick a special place to you?
I have been here 42 years. Everything about Frederick is beautiful to me, especially the people and the landscape. From being a principal at Thomas Johnson and New Market middle schools, I have had the experience of learning about other cultures. I love the diversity of our students in Frederick and I have learned so much from all of my students.

How do you feel that you can best contribute to the Board and the success of FCC?
I am committed to helping our Board fulfill our greatest mission, which is student success. I have been an educational leader for more than 35 years, which has prepared me well for my role as a Trustee. I am a strong believer that one of the secrets of success is being a strong leader who can share those skills with others. I hope to help our Board by bringing in that leadership experience.

Why do you feel FCC is a critical part of our community?
FCC offers our community the opportunity to thrive. FCC is so valuable because it provides students the ability to build a better future for themselves.

You were a principal and educational leader for FCPS for more than 30 years. What did you enjoy most about that time?
It was a real honor to watch students and teachers be successful. Being a teacher is hard. You could work 24 hours a day and still feel like it isn’t enough. It was a privilege for me to support teachers and help them find ways to succeed so that our students could succeed.

Bio
Carolyn Kimberlin is a longtime local educator who has served Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) for more than 30 years. She is a former principal of both Governor Thomas Johnson Middle School and New Market Middle School and a former assistant principal of Walkersville Elementary School. She has served as the Director of Student Services, a classroom elementary school teacher, and a reading specialist for FCPS, as well as a consultant in the College Readiness Division of The College Board.

In addition to her professional experience, Kimberlin also serves on a variety of local boards. She is a founding committee member of the Women’s Giving Circle and serves on its Circle Grants Committee. She is also a member of the Community Foundation Scholarship Committee and the Frederick County Retired School Personnel Association. She has previously served on the YMCA Board of Directors, including on its Finance Committee and as the YMCA Chairperson for its “Campaign for Kids.”

Kimberlin earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at the California University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Arts from West Virginia University. She completed post-graduate work at Hood College.

She received the 2002 Washington Post Distinguished Leadership Award and a Lifetime PTSA Membership Award.

Kimberlin has been a Frederick County resident for 42 years. She and her husband, Richard, have a daughter and granddaughter.
 

You are an FCC alum. What did attending FCC mean to you and how did it help shape your future career?
I could not do what I do without my degree, so it laid the foundation for my career. More importantly I would say that FCC is where I began to change my narrative, going to FCC was the first step I took to write my own story, so I guess you could say it was life changing, as it is for so many people. To serve as a Trustee is coming full circle and I appreciate the opportunity to be part of an institution that changes lives. 
 
You and your husband have been business owners in Frederick County for over 40 years. What are your favorite things about being part of this community?
My husband, Bud and I like to travel but we are always happy to come home to beautiful Frederick County and all it has to offer. The Frederick business community has been incredibly supportive of us since Bud started the company in 1980. It has been rewarding and we are grateful to have had a chance to build relationships with so many of the community and business leaders. We are in the commercial real estate appraisal and consulting business, and we have seen a lot of changes. While the value of real estate may have changed, the values of our community have remained the same. The residents and business leaders recognize the value of participation, and financial support, and are willing to dig in to solve problems as well as celebrate our successes and that is what makes Frederick County a dynamic and generous place.
 
What are you most excited about as a member of the FCC Board of Trustees?
I have been in a small business for my whole career, and it is a different work environment. I am anxious to learn about the institution and learn from my fellow trustees. I am excited to be working with school leadership and fellow trustees, helping to expand the vision for the changing landscape of community college education. I am also hoping to have a little fun meeting students and faculty and celebrating their successes.   
 
Bio
Tracey L. McPherson is a longtime resident and business owner in Frederick County. For over 40 years she has worked with her husband and business partner at McPherson & Associates Inc, a commercial real estate appraisal and consulting firm. In addition, they have completed several real estate projects in Frederick and Carroll Counties.
 
McPherson started her college career at Frederick Community College and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Economics at UMBC. In addition, she is a licensed General Certified Real Estate Appraiser.
 
McPherson is a supporter of many local organizations, including the FCC Foundation Board as development chair (former), is a founding member of the Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick County, and a member of the Order of the Good Samaritan, Frederick Health Hospital; the Tivoli Society, Weinberg Center for the Arts; Heritage Circle of Heritage Frederick; and the African American History, Heritage, and Culture Society (AARCH).
 
McPherson and her husband T. W. “Bud” McPherson live just east of Frederick City and enjoy concerts, the beach, cooking, traveling, family, and friends.
 

 
What is your historical connection to Frederick, Maryland, and how did this connection influence your commitment to serve your community and country?
 As a lifelong resident of Frederick County, Maryland, and a Governor Thomas Johnson High School graduate, my family's numerous contributions influenced me to continue their legacy of commitment and service to our community and country. My great-uncle served as the first principal and teacher of Lincoln High School, the African American High School in Frederick County, Maryland. I am also proud of my military service and my family's military contributions, including my father, sister, and uncles, who served in the United States Armed Services with distinction and honor. Another uncle was a respected veterinarian in Annapolis, Maryland. My mother, a Frederick County school teacher for over 30 years and an avid supporter of civil rights, worked tirelessly to end racial discrimination as a young adult, and she encouraged me to oppose racism, hate, and bigotry.
 
Why did you choose to become an infectious diseases research veterinarian?
 My family set the example to achieve academic success. Therefore, after graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, I served as a biological science assistant in the United States Army at the Walter Reed Institute of Research. Post-military service, I attended graduate and veterinary schools at Tuskegee University, then returned to my alma mater, where I became an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Institute of Human Virology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology. My subject matter expertise focused on infectious diseases research; I am now a retired staff scientist from the National Institutes of Health. My research, teaching, and student mentoring career has spanned over 30 years. 
 
Bio
 Dr. William Reid is committed to serving the Frederick community, his home state of Maryland, and his country. He has accomplished this by holding several different positions that include election to the Frederick County Democratic State Central Committee, serving on County Executive Jan Gardner's Racial Equity and Inclusion Leadership team, Governor Wes Moore's transition team as an at-large member of the Education and Transportation subcommittees, as an at-large transition team member for County Executive Jessica Fitzwater serving on the sustainability, infrastructure, and transportation subcommittee, and as a Joe Biden delegate to the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
 
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Reid was a member of the Frederick County Health Department's COVID-19 "Testing Task Force," helping to assess and monitor testing needs throughout the county, and a member of the Frederick County Climate Emergency Mobilization Workgroup tasked with developing recommendations to develop an actionable roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Most recently, he participated in moving Frederick County forward as vice president of the Frederick County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, as a member of the Asian American Center of Frederick AmeriCorps Seniors Advisory Council, and Board member of Frederick Family Partnership. The mission of these organizations is to build social, economic, educational, and health equity for the people they serve.
 
Reid is a Frederick, Maryland, native and has lived with his wife Monica for over 30 years.

BIO

Dr. Annesa Payne Cheek began as the 11^th President of Frederick Community College on July 1, 2022.

President Cheek came to FCC from St. Cloud Technical & Community College in Minnesota, where she served as President for four years. Prior to that presidency, she spent 12 years at Sinclair Community College in Ohio, an institution serving over 30,000 individuals across five locations. While there, she was the Vice President of the School and Community Partnerships Division for three years. President Cheek’s other past positions at Sinclair Community College include Vice President for Student Financial Services and Senior Advisor to the President, Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, and Senior Director of Advancement. She has also served as the Executive Vice President for the Ohio Association of Community Colleges.
 

President Cheek earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business management at Tennessee State University, a Master of Business Administration at the University of Dayton, and a Doctor of Education at the University of Texas at Austin in the Community College Leadership Program. In 2016, she was chosen by the Aspen Institute for its Presidential Fellowship, a national leadership program for community college presidents.