Candice Quinn Kelly has a solid record of achievement and success as a business owner, entrepreneur, elected official and community leader and volunteer.

She was appointed by the Governor to fill a vacancy on the Charles County Board of Commissioners from 2005 until the end of 2006. During that time Candice was well known for her outreach to constituents with frequent Town Hall Meetings, consistent and thorough communications, and a willingness to listen to all points of view. She was well respected for her in-depth knowledge of all of the issues and attention to detail with respect to the budget and all aspects of local government. She had a thorough understanding of land use and zoning issues and a passionate respect for the environment, our waterways and watersheds. Candice was recognized as smart, compassionate and always well prepared to tackle the important and often complicated issues faced by County Commissioners.

Candice is the owner of a management firm and a women’s boutique and the employer of over 20 employees. Her homeowner association management firm was recognized with a Leading Edge Award as the Charles County Technology Company of the Year in 2004. Her firm is one of 140 nationally recognized certified management firms in the country, and was nominated for the prestigious Reed McDonough Business of the Year Award through the Charles County Chamber of Commerce. Known for her commitment to the protection of the environment, Candice launched a successful Going Green Campaign in 2009 as reported in Southern Maryland Woman Magazine.

Candice brings 25 years of extensive executive and administrative experience in the field of business. From implementing strategies to increase efficiency and reduce overhead, rewarding employees with consistent salary increases, generous bonuses and fringe benefits, and the development of successful management techniques, she has built progressive and profitable businesses. Candice has a track record of competence and “no-frills” rock solid judgment. Her business background is complemented by years of experience in the non-profit world as the Executive Director of Catholic Charities Angel’s Watch Shelter for Homeless Women and Children and as a Community Organizer working with Southern Maryland Area Self Help. While at Angel’s Watch she obtained county funding and established a secure Domestic Violence wing. As a Community Organizer, she worked with area residents to eradicate an open air drug market, bring indoor plumbing to impoverished areas and for the establishment of a Minimum Livability Code in Charles County.

Candice is a graduate of the Institute of Notre Dame High School in Baltimore, Maryland and holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Communication Studies from the University of Maryland University College. She holds designations of CMCA (Certified Manager of Community Associations) and AMS (Association Management Specialist) from the Community Associations Institute.

Named 2009 Philanthropist of the YearIn 2009, Candice was named the Philanthropist of the Year by the Community Foundation of Charles County. Also in 2009, she was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Charles County Commission for Women for her service to the community.

In 2007 Candice and her family established the Nancy Lee Clark Memorial Fund at Lion’s Camp Merrick in honor of her younger sister who passed away in 2004 from diabetic related complications. They have contributed over $10,000 since 2007 to cover salaries for on-site medical personnel to care for the needs of diabetic children.

Also in 2007, Candice and her family pledged $100,000 over the next 5 years to the College of Southern Maryland for the Children’s Learning Center which provides onsite day care for children of students and faculty. This contribution will provide scholarships for students and assist operational costs.

In 2006, Candice and her family pledged $25,000 to Civista Health Foundation to support the efforts of our local hospital.

Commitment to those less fortunate exemplifies Candice Quinn Kelly. It is how she lives her life. She is a true example of one who believes that we are our “Brother’s Keeper”.

Candice is the mother of three children, Brenton, Megan and John.  Candice is a parishioner of St. Ignatius Church at Chapel Point together with her husband Edwin Kelly.  She resides in La Plata.

Currently, Candice is serving on the following Boards and Committees:

• Charles County Library Board of Trustees
• College of Southern Maryland Foundation Board of Directors and Second Vice Chair. Served as Chair of the Large Gifts Committee during Capital Campaign which raised $7 million.
• Southern Maryland Women’s League Foundation, Inc. – Immediate Past President and Founder – organization started in 2006, has raised over $50,000 and contributed over $30,000 to Angels Watch and recently established an annual scholarship in the amount of $3,000 at CSM.

Candice is a member, currently, of the following organizations:

• Charles County Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Legislative Committee
• Member: 4th & 5th Democratic Club; Western Charles County Democratic Club; Northern Charles County Democratic Club; United Democratic Women’s Clubs of Maryland
• Zonta of Charles County – an international organization dedicated to the advancement of the status of Women
• Southern Maryland Women’s League
• Charles County Garden Club

Public service is a way of life for Candice.  She continues working to improve our community and believes in the power of people to make a difference in the lives of those around them. She has proven herself to be tireless, passionate and tenacious in her efforts to make Charles County the place we all know it can be.