More Than a Location Decision: How Frederick, Maryland Became a Teammate for Life Science Companies

Companies that have relocated to Frederick, Maryland from California, overseas, and across the Mid-Atlantic tend to share a similar observation once they arrive: the city’s economic development team does not hand you a welcome packet and disappear. They show up to meetings, make introductions, and stay engaged through the hard parts of getting a business established in a new place.

Mary Ford-Naill, Economic Development Manager for the City of Frederick, was at the 2025 TEDCO Expo representing that culture. In a conversation at the event, she talked through what Frederick has built in life sciences, how it approaches workforce development, and what has made the city a destination for biotech companies looking to establish or expand in the Mid-Atlantic region.