Transparent Governance | Accountable Leadership | Community Stewardship

Frederick Community College is governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor of Maryland. The Board serves as the College’s sole governing authority, exercising its responsibilities in accordance with the Maryland Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, Title 16—Community Colleges, Section 16-103, as amended.

The Board of Trustees is charged with ensuring that the College is well governed, strategically directed, and effectively administered in service of Frederick County and the State of Maryland.

In June 2023, the Board adopted the Policy Governance® model, marking a deliberate shift to a comprehensive governance system grounded in accountability, transparency, and long-term community impact. Through Policy Governance®, the Board governs by setting clear expectations for what the College exists to achieve for the community and defining the boundaries within which the President is authorized to operate.

This approach enables the Board to lead through policy, delegate authority with clarity and confidence, and govern on behalf of the public while empowering professional administration to manage day-to-day operations.

The Board’s Governance Journey

In 2022, the Frederick Community College Board of Trustees began a focused effort to strengthen its governance—advancing transparency, accountability, and strategic alignment in service of the entire Frederick County community. That commitment led the Board to adopt Policy Governance®, a model developed by Dr. John Carver and used by boards worldwide to systematize accountability, clarify roles, define results, and protect organizational integrity. What follows is a brief look at the Board’s ongoing journey of governance transformation.
 
Why This Matters to Our Community
By adopting Policy Governance®, the Frederick Community College Board of Trustees clarified who is responsible for what, strengthened accountability for results, and created a governance system that keeps the Board focused on long-term outcomes rather than day-to-day operations. This allows the President and College leadership to manage effectively, innovate responsibly, and respond to changing community needs—within clear, transparent boundaries set by the Board.

For Frederick County, this means:  
  • Clear priorities grounded in community values
  • Greater transparency in how decisions are made
  • Stronger accountability for student success and public investment
  • A future-focused institution positioned to adapt, grow, and lead
In short, this governance transformation helps ensure that Frederick Community College remains a trusted, mission-driven partner—delivering meaningful results for students, employers, and the broader community, now and for generations to come.
 
A Thoughtful Beginning
In October 2022, then-Chair Carolyn Kimberlin and President Annesa Payne Cheek attended a presentation on Policy Governance®—facilitated by Dr. Dan Phelan—at the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Annual Conference. Drawn to its disciplined structure and clear delineation of Board and President roles, the Board subsequently invited Dr. Phelan to facilitate governance retreats in March and May 2023. During these sessions, Trustees examined their existing governance practices through a Policy Governance® lens.
 
Following additional research, reflection, and public discussion during Board meetings, the Board formally affirmed its intent in June 2023 to transition fully to the Policy Governance® model.
 
Building the Framework
To support implementation, the Board engaged Dr. Phelan for expert consultation to guide both the Board and the President through the transition. Over the following year, Trustees reviewed Policy Governance® best practices, studied model policies, and engaged in sustained dialogue about how the framework should be adapted to FCC’s context.

By June 2024—after five retreats and eight regular Board meetings—the Board completed the development and approval of 34 foundational governance policies. Prior to this work, the Board did not operate under a formal, comprehensive governance policy framework. The newly adopted policies—including Governance Process, Board–CEO Delegation, Executive Limitations, and Ends—were shaped through extensive deliberation to ensure alignment with FCC’s mission, institutional culture, and community priorities.

 

Performance Monitoring

With the foundational policies in place, the Board and President continued advancing implementation of the Policy Governance® system by transitioning from policy development to active performance monitoring. This phase focused on defining, measuring, and assessing institutional and presidential performance in direct alignment with the Board’s adopted policies.

During FY 2025, the Board formally accepted the President’s reasonable interpretations of its policies—establishing the measurable standards the Board uses to assess compliance and monitor performance. To support this work, the President developed and submitted Baseline Insight Reports, which provided an initial snapshot of institutional performance. These reports helped orient the Board to current conditions and established a clear baseline against which future performance would be measured.
 
Building on that foundation, the President began submitting formal Monitoring Reports in FY 2026. These reports now serve as the primary mechanism through which the Board evaluates both organizational performance and the President’s performance. Under Policy Governance®, the President is evaluated solely on the demonstrated performance of the College in relation to the Board’s stated expectations.
 
At the same time, the Board advanced another essential pillar of the Policy Governance® model: Ownership Linkage.

Ownership Linkage

Ownership linkage is the process through which the Board of Trustees connects with the community it represents—the “owners” of Frederick Community College. The owners are the residents of Frederick County, along with others who choose to enroll at the College. Together, these individuals entrust the Board with safeguarding the College as a public asset for the benefit of the entire community.
 
Through intentional listening, dialogue, and engagement, the Board seeks to understand the values, priorities, and aspirations of the residents of Frederick County. This understanding informs the Board’s definition of the results (or “Ends”) the College should achieve, and for whom. Effective ownership linkage helps ensure that the Board governs in the long-term public interest—rather than in response to the preferences of any single group or short-term concerns.
 
While the Board’s primary focus is the owner perspective—representing the long-term public interest of Frederick County—it recognizes that other important perspectives also shape the College’s work. Customer and stakeholder perspectives provide valuable insight into how FCC’s services are experienced and how the College aligns with broader community needs. These perspectives are treated differently: the President manages and responds to them operationally, while the Board receives summarized information through formal reporting to assess overall performance and progress toward its expected results (Ends). The sections below describe these perspectives and how they support the College’s governance and continuous improvement.
 
Owner Perspective
The owner perspective reflects the viewpoint of community members who entrust the College to the Board to safeguard it as a public asset on behalf of the long-term public interest of Frederick County. When individuals speak from an owner perspective, the focus is on what the College should accomplish for the community as a whole rather than on personal or organizational benefit.

From an owner perspective, the focus is on:
  • The long-term public interest of Frederick County
  • The results the College should achieve for the community
  • The values, priorities, and aspirations that should shape the College’s direction
  • The responsible stewardship of public resources

This owner perspective guides the Board’s core governance responsibilities: defining the College’s Ends, affirming its long-term direction, establishing boundaries for presidential authority, and making governance decisions—such as approving the budget, setting performance expectations, and monitoring outcomes—that protect the institution’s long-term impact, sustainability, and relevance to the community.
 
Customer Perspective
The customer perspective reflects the viewpoint of individuals or organizations who rely on the College’s programs, services, and supports to meet specific needs. Community members speak from a customer perspective when they focus on how well FCC’s services work for them or for others who use the College’s services.

From a customer perspective, the focus is on:
  • The accessibility, relevance, and quality of programs and services
  • Whether the College is meeting specific educational, training, or support needs
  • Responsiveness, clarity, and ease of navigating College processes
  • The value received for the time, money, and effort invested

Customer feedback is gathered and addressed through the College’s administrative systems. The President provides the Board with summaries of this information—through monitoring reports, survey results, program evaluations, and other formal channels—so the Board can assess how well the College is achieving its Ends. The Board does not respond to individual customer concerns but uses this information to understand overall performance and community impact. 
 
Stakeholder Perspective
The stakeholder perspective reflects the viewpoint of individuals, groups, and organizations whose work, priorities, or community goals intersect with the College. Community members speak from a stakeholder perspective when they consider how FCC’s performance supports—or is connected to—broader educational, economic, and civic outcomes. Stakeholders may include K–12 partners, employers, nonprofits, government agencies, universities, civic organizations, donors, and industry associations.

From a stakeholder perspective, the focus is on:
  • FCC’s contributions to regional workforce strength, economic mobility, and community well-being
  • Alignment between FCC’s programs and the needs of employers, partners, and key community sectors
  • Opportunities for collaboration that advance shared priorities
  • FCC’s role as a community anchor, leader, and problem-solver

Stakeholder perspectives are gathered and coordinated through the College’s administrative and partnership processes. Under the President’s leadership, the College engages with advisory councils, employers, community organizations, and public agencies to understand emerging needs, trends, and opportunities.

The Board receives summarized stakeholder information through strategic updates, monitoring reports, environmental scans, and other formal reporting. This high-level information helps the Board understand the broader context in which the College operates and the external factors influencing community and workforce needs.
 
While stakeholder perspectives do not define the College’s Ends, they provide important context that informs long-term alignment with regional priorities and support the Board in ensuring FCC remains relevant, connected, and responsive to its community.

The following table shows how a single issue may be viewed differently through the owner, customer, and stakeholder lenses. Understanding these distinctions helps the Board and the President recognize the type of input being offered, how it should be interpreted, and how it appropriately informs governance, operations, and continuous improvement. Because individuals may speak from more than one perspective, it is important to understand how the same input is interpreted and used differently depending on the lens being applied.
 


 
 

Owner Perspective

Guides the Board’s Ends, long-term direction, and stewardship decisions.

 Stakeholder Perspective

Informs alignment, collaboration, and environmental context for both the President and Board.		 Customer Perspective

Informs continuous improvement and helps the Board understand how services are experienced (via aggregated reporting).

 

Issue

 
1. Access to Evening Classes “The community needs accessible education options for working adults across the County.” “Our employees want to upskill, but your schedule doesn’t match shift patterns. More evening courses would help meet workforce needs.” “I work full-time and can’t attend daytime classes — I need more evening options.”
2. Workforce Readiness in a Growing Industry (e.g., Biotechnology) “The County needs a talent pipeline that supports future economic growth and creates family-sustaining careers.” “Our biotech firms urgently need entry-level technicians trained on specific lab skills and protocols.” “I want to enter biotech, but I’m not sure whether FCC’s program will give me the skills to get hired.”
3. Navigating College Processes (e.g., Enrollment/Advising) “Residents expect the College to use public resources responsibly and create conditions that enable strong student success outcomes across the community.” “Our nonprofit helps adults transition into education, but the current admissions process is hard for our clients to navigate.” “The enrollment steps were confusing — I wasn’t sure what to do next, and it delayed my start.”
4. Pathways to Economic Stability “The community needs educational and workforce pathways that help residents achieve long-term economic stability and mobility. FCC should contribute to reducing economic vulnerability across Frederick County.” “Our industry requires a talent pipeline with skills that lead to stable, reliable employment. We need FCC to prepare workers for roles that support economic stability in the region.” “I want a program that leads to a stable career, but I need clearer information about which pathways can help me support myself and my family.”

 

Ownership Linkage Plan  
Over a series of several meetings during FY 2025, the Board developed and approved a one-year Ownership Linkage Plan for implementation in FY 2026. This plan establishes a structured process for trustees to engage with the residents of Frederick County — the College’s “owners” — through facilitated dialogues designed to gather input about emerging needs, values, and aspirations for Frederick County. That input will inform the Board’s ongoing review and refinement of its Ends Policies, ensuring they remain responsive to the community’s priorities. A multi-year Ownership Linkage Plan will be developed in the coming year to guide future engagement cycles and strengthen this vital feedback loop between the community, the Board, and the College.
A Lasting Commitment

The Board’s governance journey is ongoing, guided by a commitment to leave Frederick Community College stronger for the future. By embracing Policy Governance®, the Board is establishing a durable governance legacy—a system designed to provide clarity, transparency, and accountability over time. Through disciplined monitoring and intentional ownership engagement, the Board is operationalizing Policy Governance® at every level, ensuring that FCC’s performance, priorities, and policies remain tightly aligned with the public interest and the College’s enduring mission. As the Board continues to learn and deepen its practice, it does so with a shared purpose: to strengthen FCC’s role as a vital public institution—advancing learning, workforce development, and community well-being across Frederick County.

 
Meet the Trustees

The Trustees of Frederick Community College are engaged community leaders who bring a range of experiences and perspective to their service. Read below to learn more about each Trustee, including their background, highlights of their service, and what they value most about FCC and the Frederick community.

  • Theodore M. Luck Theodore M. Luck

    Chair
    Current Term:  2021 - 2026

  • Carolyn Kimberlin Carolyn Kimberlin

    Vice-Chair
    Current Term: 2023-2028

  • Jan H. Gardner Jan H. Gardner

    Current Term: 2025-2027

  • Dr. Carmen R. Hernandez Dr. Carmen R. Hernandez

    Current Term: 2025 - 2030

  • Tracey McPherson Tracey McPherson
    Current Term: 2023-2028
  • William Reid Dr. William Reid

    Current Term: 2023 - 2028

  • Myrna Whitworth Myrna Whitworth

    Current Term: 2024-2029

  • Dr. Annesa Cheek Dr. Annesa Cheek

    FCC  President
    Secretary-Treasurer

  • Janice Spiegel Janice Spiegel
    Director of Education and Special Initiatives
    Office of the County Executive
  • FCC Seal FCC Board of Trustees
    2025-2026

     
close Theodore M. Luck
Theodore M. Luck

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.
 
 
 

close Carolyn Kimberlin
Carolyn Kimberlin

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.
 

close Jan H. Gardner
Jan H. Gardner

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.

close Dr. Carmen R. Hernandez
Dr. Carmen R. Hernandez
You’ve called Frederick home for nearly 40 years—what first brought you here, and what has kept you rooted in the community?
My husband and I had trained in NYC and Richmond and were looking for a smaller family-oriented community to raise our children, but still have access to big city medical resources, restaurants, and theater. Our love for our medical practices, our patients, and both our office and hospital staff have kept us rooted in this community.

After decades of service in medicine, what inspired you to shift your focus to education and community engagement in your retirement?
Education is a focus of medical training. It is part of your job to educate those under your supervision. Teaching becomes a part of what you do on a daily basis with your patients and staff. One of the challenges I encountered in my patient population was illiteracy. Switching my focus from medical education to general education is pursuing a wish to continue improving a person’s life by improving literacy.

As someone who immigrated from Puerto Rico and is fully bilingual, how do you see language and cultural inclusion playing a role in student success at a college like FCC?
FCC, through ESL and all its other classes, is empowering students to dream. It is preparing its students for integration into our common American culture. A lack of ability to communicate leads to social isolation, which in turn can lead to mental health issues. Education and exposure to the wider world of possibilities is key to breaking that cycle.

What excites you most about joining the Board of Trustees at FCC? Are there particular areas where you hope to make a difference?
Learning something new is always exciting. I hope to learn a lot about how an established academic institution prepares its students to be happy and productive members of our society. In return, I hope to bring my lived experience of cultural assimilation to bear on the needs of FCC’s students, to best meet their needs and prepare them for the rest of their lives.
 

BIO
Carmen R. Hernandez, M.D. has lived in Frederick for almost 40 years. She was one of the founding members of Frederick Gastroenterology Associates where she worked for 33 years until her retirement in 2020.

Hernandez has served in various capacities on several community organizations’ boards including the Kline Hospices House, the Literacy Council of Frederick County, and the Community Foundation of Frederick County.

Hernandez has been an ESL tutor with the Literacy Council for the past five years. She has also volunteered her time with the Kline Hospice House Comfort Singers and with her church choir for over 15 years.

Hernandez was born and raised in Puerto Rico, is fully bilingual, and has an interest in helping the growing Hispanic immigrant population of Frederick achieve their goals through education.

Hernandez earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Pennsylvania, a medical doctor degree from New York University School of Medicine, and completed her residency and fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia.

Hernandez married her high school sweetheart, Manny, and together they raised two children in Frederick. They have one granddaughter. Hernandez loves traveling, trying different foods, and going to different performing arts venues.

close Tracey McPherson
Tracey McPherson

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.
 

close William Reid
Dr. William Reid

 
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.

close Myrna Whitworth
Myrna Whitworth
What did you enjoy most about your first term on the FCC Board of Trustees?
I enjoyed being part of an institution that was improving the lives of Frederick County citizens by offering students of all ages, ethnicity, and gender the opportunity to thrive. I was particularly impressed with the stories our students told about their lives and the opportunity FCC was affording them. I was on the Board during a time of change with the selection of a new president and an updating of policies, facilities, and programs. I feel privileged to have served.
 
What unique expertise or perspective do you bring to the FCC Board of Trustees?
I think my past experience as an FCC Board of Trustees member, including two years as Chair, will offer some historical context to the Board's mission. I also have served on the FCC Foundation Board, a position that gave me perspective on the needs of our students and the fundraising efforts to assist both academic and workplace development students in their goals. In addition, I have spent many years in public service, serving on numerous boards, commissions, and committees and have taught college courses at both Mount Saint Mary's and American University.
 
How does FCC benefit our community?
I am a strong believer in the importance of FCC to the economic wellbeing of Frederick County. In the coming years, community colleges must be equipped to teach and train students for a new generation of professions in a changing job market. Frederick Community College is looking ahead and preparing our students - both academic and workforce credentialed- to compete in the marketplace. 
 
You spent your professional career working in international broadcast news. What did you enjoy most about that?
I was most fortunate in spending 28 years in a profession I loved. Each day was different and was shaped by the news of the day. It was our job at the Voice of America (VOA) to present that information to the world, unbiased, balanced and uncensored, in some 50 languages. During my career, I also managed the Office of Media Training which has trained journalists from around the world in the principles of First Amendment journalism.
 
BIO
This is Trustee Whitworth’s second term on the Board, having previously served from 2013 to 2018. During that time, she was Board Chair from 2015 to 2017 and Vice Chair from 2017 to 2018.  In addition to her previous time on the Board, Trustee Whitworth has also served on the FCC Foundation Board of Directors from 2018-2023.

Prior to becoming involved with FCC, Trustee Whitworth had a long career in broadcast news. For 28 years, she was employed at VOA, an international broadcasting organization.

During her time there, she served twice as Acting Director- including during 9/11 and its aftermath, was Executive Producer of an hour-long flagship news program, and was the first Director of the Office of Affiliate Relations, during which she dramatically expanded the number of local stations in countries around the world carrying VOA programming. When she retired in 2002, she was the Director of Programs responsible for the daily programming of 1,200 international journalists broadcasting 800 hours a week on radio, television, and online in 53 languages.

Trustee Whitworth has continued to stay busy since her retirement, tutoring ESL students through the Literacy Council of Frederick County and volunteering at the Frederick Food Bank. She was an adjunct professor for eight years at Mount St. Mary's University teaching courses in global journalism. She also taught journalism and moderated a lecture series on the Middle East at the American University Osher Lifelong Learning Center.
close Dr. Annesa Cheek
Dr. Annesa Cheek

BIO

Dr. Annesa Payne Cheek began as the 11th 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.
 

close Janice Spiegel
Janice Spiegel
Director of Education and Special Initiatives
Office of the County Executive
close FCC Seal
FCC Board of Trustees
The 2025-2026 Frederick Community College Board of Trustees
​Theodore M. Luck, Chair
Carolyn Kimberlin, Vice Chair
Jan H. Gardner
Dr. Carmen R. Hernandez
Tracey McPherson 
Dr. William Reid
Myrna Whitworth
Dr. Annesa Cheek, President/Secretary-Treasurer
Janice Spiegel, Special Projects Manager/Budget Office (Non-voting Frederick County Liaison)








 

 

2026 Board Meeting Materials

 

All regular meetings are held at 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.
 

Date Agenda Written Statement Board Packet Minutes
January 21, 2026 Regular Meeting        
February 18, 2026 Regular Meeting        
March 18, 2026 Regular Meeting        
April 22, 2026 Regular Meeting        
June 10, 2026 Regular Meeting        
August 19, 2026 Regular Meeting        
September 16, 2026 Regular Meeting        
October 14, 2026 Regular Meeting        
November 18, 2026 Regular Meeting        

 

2025 Board Meeting Materials

 

All regular meetings are held at 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.
 

Date Agenda Written Statement Board Packet Minutes
January 15, 2025 Regular Meeting Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session Packet Minutes
February 3, 2025 Special Meeting Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session   Minutes
February 19, 2025 Regular Meeting Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session Packet Minutes
March 19, 2025 Regular Meeting Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session Packet Minutes
March 28, 2025 Special Meeting Agenda   Packet Minutes
April 23, 2025 Regular Meeting Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session Packet Minutes
June 3, 2025 Special Meeting Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session   Minutes
June 11, 2025 Regular Meeting Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session Packet Minutes
July 19, 2025 Board Retreat Agenda     Minutes
August 20, 2025 Regular Meeting Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session Packet Minutes
September 17, 2025 Regular Meeting Agenda   Packet Minutes
October 15, 2025 Regular Meeting Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session Packet Minutes
November 19, 2025 Regular Meeting Agenda   Packet  
December 3, 2025 Board Retreat Agenda      
December 4, 2025 Board Retreat Agenda      

 

2024 Board Meeting Materials


All regular meetings are held at 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.

 

Date Agenda Written Statement Board Packet Minutes
January 24, 2024 Regular Meeting Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session Packet Minutes
February 17, 2024 Board Retreat CANCELLED Agenda      
February 21, 2024 Regular Meeting Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session Packet Minutes
March 9, 2024 Board Retreat Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session   Minutes
March 20, 2024 Regular Meeting Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session Packet Minutes
April 11, 2024 Board Retreat Agenda     Minutes
April 17, 2024 Regular Meeting Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session Packet Minutes
May 11, 2024 Board Retreat Agenda   Packet Minutes
May 22, 2024 Regular Meeting ** at 11:00 a.m.** Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session Packet Minutes
June 4, 2024 Regular Meeting RESCHEDULED From June 12 Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session Packet Minutes
June 18, 2024 Special Meeting Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session   Minutes
July 9, 2024 Board Retreat Agenda     Minutes
August 21, 2024 Regular Meeting Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session Packet Minutes
September 18, 2024 Regular Meeting Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session Packet Minutes
October 15, 2024 Regular Meeting Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session Packet Minutes
November 16, 2024 Board Retreat Agenda     Minutes
November 20, 2024 Regular Meeting Agenda Written Statement for Closed Session Packet Minutes

 

Performance Monitoring

 

 

Board of Trustees By-Laws

 

Bylaws of the Board of Trustees

 

 

Board-CEO Delegation Policies

 

BCD-0 Global Statement

BCD-1 Unity of Control

BCD-2 Accountability of the President

BCD-3 Delegation to the President

BCD-4 Monitoring President Performance

BCD-5 President Succession

BCD-6 President Compensation

 

 

Ends Policies

 

E-1 Ends

 

 

Executive Limitations Policies

 

EL-0 General Executive Constraint

EL-1 Treatment of Students

EL-2 Treatment of Employees

EL-3 Communication & Support to the Board

EL-4 Financial Conditions and Activities

EL-5 Organization Culture

EL-6 Planning

EL-7 Land Use

Executive Limitations Policies (Cont.)

 

EL-8 Access to Education

EL-9 Asset Protection

EL-10 Investments

EL-11 Compensation and Benefits

 

 

 

Governance Process Policies

 

GP-0 Global Governance Commitment

GP-1 Role of the Board Chair

GP-2 Role of the Vice Chair

GP-3 Board Code of Conduct

GP-4 Board Job Contributions

GP-5 Board Linkage with Ownership

GP-6 Board Linkage with External Organizations

GP-7 Board Planning Cycle and Agenda Control

GP-8 Governing Style

GP-9 Investment in Governance

GP-10 Board Expenses

GP-11 Special Rules of Order

GP-12 Handling Operational Complaints

GP-13 Handling Alleged Policy Violations

 

 

Naming Opportunities

 

Naming Opportunities