Meet the Trustees

Jan H. Gardner

Current Term: 2025 - 2027

 

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.