Upper Shore Regional Council has hired Maureen O'Shea Fitzgerald as its Manager of Grants and Programs.

USRC Photo

The Upper Shore Regional Council has hired Maureen O'Shea Fitzgerald as manager of grants and programs.

Fitzgerald will oversee the execution of the $10 million Rural Maryland Economic Fund Grant, awarded to the USRC by the state of Maryland. The primary objective of this grant is to stimulate economic activity, private sector investment and job opportunities in the region.

Through collaborative efforts to determine funding priorities on the Upper Shore, USRC will advance a wide range of projects within Kent, Cecil and Queen Anne's counties and the region at large.

Fitzgerald's role will contribute to fostering regional economic development and enhancing the overall quality of life.

"We are thrilled to welcome Maureen O'Shea Fitzgerald to our organization," said Susan O'Neill, executive director of USRC. "With her profound commitment to the community, Maureen is well-prepared to spearhead the Rural Maryland Economic Fund Grant. Maureen is eager to assist the counties in our region in addressing economic and infrastructure challenges.”

Fitzgerald brings over a decade of experience in real estate and agriculture to her new role. She also serves as a real estate agent for Long & Foster.

Most recently, Fitzgerald served as an agriculture specialist for the Cecil County government for four years. In that capacity, she took the lead in supporting the county's farmers, raising awareness about the importance of agriculture, and ultimately strengthening the local economy. During her tenure, Fitzgerald developed new programming, implemented effective marketing strategies, and organized events that significantly elevated the county's involvement in the agriculture community, fostering the growth of this vital business sector.