Operating since 2006, East Frederick Rising is THE proponent organization that champions the well-being and vitality of residents, businesses and organizations invested in the current and future success of the east side of Frederick City. Working across the community, we champion the fulfillment of the abundant opportunities existing within East Frederick, where all are welcome to pursue their dreams and goals, and where all can prosper.
In pursuit of this mission, we engage in a collaborative approach that involves gathering insights from stakeholders in our community, such as residents, businesses, city leaders, developers and professionals. Our strategy involves fostering consensus through facilitating conversations between various stakeholders, open forums for discussion, and by creating an environment of respectful cooperation between all segments of the community
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East Frederick Rising envisions a renaissance in the east end of Frederick City, a community that is vibrant, safe and diverse; where residential livability and commercial opportunities flourish, consistent with the character and charm of Frederick, and in accordance with smart growth principles.
Board President
Heather Goddard holds a Master’s degree from UMBC in Instructional Systems Design and taught English Learners in FCPS schools for 9 years. She moved to Frederick with her husband in 2012 to open a Mexican restaurant, Cafe Bueno. Together they have 3 children. Using her background in education and business, Heather leads East Frederick Rising on a mission to to build and revitalize the East Side of Frederick using smart growth principles of safety, connectivity, sustainability, and placemaking. Heather loves Frederick and enjoys the challenge of working with stakeholders to preserve and enhance East Frederick for future generations.
Board Vice President
Hannah Nickerson is a life-long resident of the area. After 10 years as an engineer and Sustainability lead in biotech, she has recently launched her own consulting business to help organizations advance more sustainable operations. Her passion for environmental sustainability extends beyond the business realm- she knows that true sustainability starts with the way we design our systems. She hopes to bring her expertise in this space to EFR by advocating for low-carbon transportation options like bike lanes and walkable greenways, affordable housing, and energy and water efficient buildings in a city that is built for people, not cars.
Board Secretary
Vanessa holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Colorado Denver. She is passionate about city planning and the ways people, nature, and the built environment interact. Her interests include adaptive reuse, placemaking, affordable housing, and fostering a truly connected community. As a Frederick native, she looks forward to bringing this passion to East Frederick’s growing community.
Board Treasurer
Kathy lives in downtown Frederick and also works downtown as the Controller at Dairy Maid Dairy. She has a long history of community involvement in various capacities and is an enthusiastic supporter of downtown. Kathy is looking forward to contributing to and supporting the East Frederick community.
Board Member
Vicki is a recent retiree from the property/casualty insurance industry and a resident of East Frederick. She is excited to be a part of East Frederick Rising and to work towards the betterment of East Frederick.
Board Member
I am a Workforce Development Professional focusing on helping Young Adults in our community reach their education and employment goals. My family and I live in the Renn Quarter Neighborhood, located in East Frederick. My husband and I both work in East Frederick, and are excited to raise our daughters in this growing and vibrant community! I am honored to be a part of East Frederick Rising and hope to help shape the future of East Frederick.
Board Member
Sharon has lived in a variety of places across the United States and has enjoyed them all. However, Sharon adores calling Frederick, Maryland home. She lives with her husband near downtown in an old Frederick brick house. They love to garden and plan to eventually have chickens. During the day, she works as a mental health therapist at her private practice Spire Counseling (https://www.spirecounseling.com/). For fun, she lifts weights at Unrivaled gym, she runs with the Frederick Steeplechasers, she relaxes at Yogamour yoga classes, and she adores hanging out at Gravel and Grind.
Board Member
Tim is a technology and business leader who brings a people-first approach to solving complex problems. With experience across engineering, AI, and consulting, he focuses on building solutions that create meaningful, real-world impact. Having made his way from the suburbs to downtown and now the east side of Frederick, Tim enjoys being an active part of the community and can often be found working from local coffee shops or connecting with others around town. He has formal training in mindfulness and meditation, which informs his grounded, empathetic approach to leadership and community building.
Board Member
Ryan brings 10+ years of business banking experience to East Frederick Rising with deep commitment to the Frederick community. As a commercial banking professional in Frederick he contributes with strategic insight and develops key relationships with stakeholders. Ryan and his wife have been city residents for the past 11 years and enjoy raising their two sons on the east side.
Outreach & Communication Coordinator
Linette Harley is the Business Development Manager for the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Energy Efficiency Department. In this role, she works to expand access to energy efficiency programs for low- and moderate-income households by strengthening partnerships, improving program accessibility, advancing equitable outcomes, and fostering collaboration among utilities, contractors, and local partners. With over a decade of experience spanning public service, real estate, and mortgage finance, Linette brings a strong understanding of housing systems, compliance, and community engagement. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Organizational Development at Mount St. Mary’s University. Looking ahead, Linette is focused on advancing innovative, inclusive energy efficiency strategies that align with Maryland’s climate and clean energy goals, ensuring programs continue to deliver meaningful cost savings, improved housing quality, and long-term benefits for communities across the state.
