#United States #Frederick #Frederick Chamber #Helen Propheter #Rick Weldon

Helen Propheter Takes Charge as President & CEO

The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce has made a significant leadership change, announcing Helen Propheter as the new President & CEO. Her official appointment will be effective September 1, 2026, marking a new chapter for the organization as current President Rick Weldon transitions to the role of Senior Advisor.

Helen Propheter, a prominent figure in Frederick County's business landscape, is well-prepared for her new role. Currently, she serves as the Director of Corporate and Government Relations at Hood College, where she has successfully developed initiatives that enhance engagement through partnerships with external entities. Over the years, Propheter has served 30 years in various capacities within Frederick County Government, culminating in her role as the Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in generating over 3,000 jobs for the county in collaboration with major employers, along with spearheading the Homegrown Frederick initiative to bolster the local agricultural sector.

A well-known advocate and supporter of the Chamber, Propheter has participated actively in various committees. Her involvement includes roles such as legislative breakfast moderator and emcee for the Chamber's annual SHE Pitch competition, which empowers women entrepreneurs. These experiences have uniquely equipped her to lead the organization into its future.

Chairman of the Board, Danny Severn, remarked on the thorough search for the next leader. He expressed confidence in Propheter’s extensive local experience and expressed that there is no better candidate to guide the Chamber forward. “Finding someone so deeply rooted in our community with such extensive experience in assisting businesses was a rare and fortunate discovery,” Severn added.

Propheter expressed her gratitude upon her appointment, stating, “It is a tremendous honor to be entrusted with leading the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. This community has given me so much throughout my career, and I am thrilled to work with our members, partners, and elected officials to build on our strong foundation. Together, we will lead the Chamber into its next chapter, centered around innovation, advocacy, and workforce development.”

As Rick Weldon hands over the reins after more than a decade of stewardship, he reassured members that he will remain in his advisory role to aid in a seamless transition, emphasizing that he will provide ongoing support to ensure continuity for staff and members. Weldon expressed his enduring appreciation for the work environment, highlighting the joy brought by collaboration with the staff, volunteers, and a diverse array of members.

Reflecting on his tenure, Weldon commented, “The best days for the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce are in the windshield, not the rearview mirror. Under Helen Propheter's visionary leadership, I envision remarkable opportunities ahead for our business community.”

With over 800 member organizations, the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in the local economy, offering valuable memberships focused on leadership, education, and networking. Under Propheter’s guidance, the Chamber aims to continue fostering economic opportunities and strengthen partnerships among members.

About the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce

Established in 1912, the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce stands as one of Maryland's largest business organizations, representing over 800 businesses. The Chamber serves as a voice for the business community, creating value through education, advocacy, and networking, all aimed at fortifying the local economy and promoting shared interests among its members.