Who We Are
Over 35 years ago, fed up with the way things were, Tim Woodford, a local car salesman, organized a meeting. Joining him were some prominent names in the Frederick political scene - Julien Delphey, Jim Singleton, David Godwin, and Dick Hudson. There, in a small office at Grimes Truck Center on East Patrick Street, the Republican Club of Frederick County was born.
The then "Men's Republican Club of Frederick County" grew quickly from its humble roots, expanding its five-member organization to one which routinely drew 100+ at Tauraso's Restaurant in Downtown Frederick. Tim, who founded RCFC, thought that the Republican men of the county should have their own organization, separate from the Republican Women of Frederick County, who had enjoyed a long tenure of success as America's longest-running Republican Women's Club.
The Men's Republican Club of Frederick County did just that until 2004, when the club elected its first female president, Jean Ryberg.
Since then, leaders such as Mark Schaff, Marie Fischer, and Dylan Diggs have cemented the Republican Club of Frederick County at the forefront of the conservative movement in Maryland. The Republican Club of Frederick County is Frederick County's premier conservative organization. The Club holds meetings monthly on the second Thursday, bringing in speakers to discuss local, state, and national issues, and welcomes any Republican to attend, regardless of membership status.
Photos: Tim Wesolek
Club Leadership
The Republican Club of Frederick County is directed by the "Board of Governors." The board handles all executive decisions that need to be made, such as who to bring in to speak, how to spend club funds, and how to promote the club.
President
Justin Wages
As President, Justin enjoys recruiting, fundraising, and building awareness of the club. He is a 2017 graduate of Governor Thomas Johnson HS and a 2022 graduate of the University of Maryland. Justin ran for state delegate in 2022. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Frederick County Young Republicans and as a member of the Frederick County Republican Central Committee.
Vice President
Eddie Harrison
Eddie is a former unaffiliated voter who is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get things done. He registered as a Republican after he started attending RCFC meetings several years ago He serves as a member of the Maryland State Board of On-Site Wastewater Professionals, which is invaluable to RCFC as he has the experience needed to keep the rest of the club's board in shape.
Secretary
Kat Harper
As Secretary, Kat keeps things running smoothly. In 2022, Kat moved from Prince George's Co. to Frederick Co. She is excited to raise her family in beautiful Lake Linganore. She is a 2011 graduate of Eleanor Roosevelt HS and 2014 graduate of the University of Maryland - College Park, and recently completed her paralegal certificate. She is passionate about election integrity and protecting the Bill of Rights.
Treasurer
Carla Williams
As Treasurer, Carla is responsible for managing the financials for RCFC. A native of Front Royal, Virginia, Carla brings red-state experience and a determined-to-win attitude to RCFC.
Board Member At-Large
KAI BURHANS
Kai is one of the most versatile members of the RCFC board. He helps bridge the connection to other Republican organizations both in Frederick County and around the state of Maryland. He is a 2018 graduate of Linganore HS. Kai chairs the Frederick County Young Republicans and is also active in The Rotary Club of New Market Maryland, serving as the organization's Environmental Chair.
Board Member At-Large
VACANT
Interested in filling this role? Reach out to any of the other board members to find out more!
Board Member At-Large
VACANT
Interested in filling this role? Reach out to any of the other board members to find out more!
Previous Presidents
1990 - 1992: Tim Woodford
1992 - 1994: Frank Snograss
2001 - 2002: Shannon Petersen
2004 - 2006: Jean Ryberg
2006 - 2008: Earl Wahlquist
2008 - 2010: Ray Hrach
2012 - 2013: Joe Cohen
2013 - 2018: Mark Schaff
2018 - 2020: Marie Fischer
2020 - 2021: Nick Ribecca
2021 - 2022: Dylan Diggs
2022 - 2024: Jason Miller
2024 - 2024: John Distel
2024 - Present: Justin Wages