M.C. Keegan-Ayer - District 3

Council Member - District 3

I moved to Frederick County more than 25 years ago with my husband Brent Ayer.  We have three children, Brendan, Alex and Brigid, all graduates of Frederick County Public Schools.  I love Frederick County and am excited to be on the first County Council under the new Charter government.  I have been involved in county issues for the past 20 years, particularly those dealing with education, growth and development.

I am honored to be a part of the new government in Frederick County and I want to change the tone of our government and the way our elected leaders engage the average citizen in the decision making process -- decisions that will impact their lives.  I want to find ways to get people involved whose voices have traditionally been limited and have therefore felt marginalized.   And I want to ensure the people living in Council District 3 are provided a seat at the table, and afforded the opportunity to work collaboratively with their elected officials.

Through my advocacy efforts over the past 20 plus years, I have worked with the community, the Board of Education and the Board of County Commissioners to get a new playground for Waverley Elementary School; to bring about the renovation of West Frederick Middle School and got the ball rolling to update Frederick High School, which resulted in the decision to build a whole new facility.  Recently, I have been deeply involved in the efforts to address the overcrowding situation at Hillcrest Elementary School, which currently has 26 portables (more than any other school in the entire county).

 I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders as we move forward with Charter government and I want to hear from all residents of Frederick County on issues of concern to them, but particularly those of the 3rd Council District.  I want Frederick County to be the best place to live, work, raise a family and then live out your retirement years.  Together we can make this a reality.

Biography

M.C. Keegan-Ayer is a graduate of Bridgewater College with a degree in Education.  She taught school for two years, then went to work on Capitol Hill for ten years, first as a Legislative Assistant, then as a Legislative Director, and finished up as a lobbyist for an organization representing workers from across the U.S.   M.C. also worked in the campaign office of Congresswoman Beverly Byron (D-6) for several years.
   
  Ms. Keegan-Ayer has served in leadership positions on various organizations over the years including being the President of the homeowner’s association in her neighborhood, the PTAs at her children’s schools, the PTA County Council of Frederick County, first as Chair of the Legislative Issues Committee, and later as the 2nd Vice President in charge of all legislative issues and advocacy efforts.  

M.C. was elected to the County Council of Frederick County in November of 2014 and was elected as the Vice President after being sworn in.  She held that leadership position all four years of her first term. She was re-elected to represent County Council District 3 in 2018 and was subsequently elected as the President of the Council, from 2018-2022.  She was re-elected to the County Council in 2022, where she is honored to be able to represent the residents and businesses of the district.

In her capacity as a representative for District 3, Ms. Keegan-Ayer sits as a liaison on the boards of various commissions and organizations including:  

• Containment Laboratory Citizens Advisory Commission
• Senior Services Advisory Board 
• Workforce Development Board 
• Frederick County Board of Elections 
• Domestic Violence Coordinating Council
• Mental Health Advisory Council
• Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (serving on several committees) 
• President of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) - 2026
• MACo Executive Board 2019-2026
• MACo Legislative Committee 2014 – 2026 and Land Use Subcommittee 2017-2026
• President of the Women of MACo 2017 – 2025
• National Association of Counties (NACo) Committee on Energy, Environment and Land Use 2021-2026

Know Your Frederick County Council:  M.C. Keegan-Ayer