The Honorees for 2026

Leslie Barnes-Keating serves as the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Frederick County Government, appointed by County Executive Jessica Fitzwater.  A Frederick native, Leslie has dedicated more than three decades to public service, building a career grounded in listening to and addressing the needs of marginalized and historically underserved residents of Frederick County.

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Leslie has held numerous leadership roles, including Deputy Director of the Citizen Services Division and Director of the Office for Children and Families. In these roles, she has led and supported initiatives, grants, and cross-sector collaborations focused on improving outcomes for vulnerable seniors, children, youth, and families. Her leadership also extended to directing Frederick County’s shelter and mass care response during emergency events, ensuring equitable access to critical services during times of crisis.

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Leslie’s work is characterized by her ability to bring community voices to the decision-making table and translate lived experiences into thoughtful, impactful policy and practice. She has served on countless committees—such as the Ausherman IDEA Committee supporting Black-led nonprofits—charged with developing inclusive strategies that deliver direct resources to community residents. Throughout her career, Leslie has prioritized supporting young women, including as a formal mentor in the North Star Leadership Initiative, a Black mentorship program building the next generation of community and civic leadership.

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Beyond government service, Leslie is a licensed Realtor® and co-owner of the Keating Group of Keller Williams Realty Centre real estate team with her husband. Education for first-time homebuyers, community engagement, and in-person service to Frederick County nonprofits are foundational to Keating Group’s mission.

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Leslie’s commitment to service and equity has been widely recognized. In 2023, she received both the President’s Volunteer Service Award and the UNESCO Opal Lee Empowerment Award. In 2024, she was named Woman of the Year by the Frederick County Commission for Women. These honors reflect her enduring impact as a leader, advocate, and bridge-builder within the Frederick community.

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Leslie holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Mount Saint Mary’s University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College. She is a wife, mother, and Gigi, and remains deeply committed to participating in solutions that address the evolving needs of Frederick County residents.