Every year, the ranks of Frederick’s African Americans of Excellence Awards are filled with citizens, both men and women, who epitomize servant leadership. In small things and larger things, in times of public visibility and in faithfulness behind the scenes, these individuals have shown over decades what it means to put others before self. They are inspirations not only within the African American community but for all of Frederick to emulate. We are honored and privileged to celebrate them in 2026.
William “Wickie” Lee Bowie
For more than 30 years, William Lee Bowie has owned and operated Bowie D&S Transportation, a local taxi service that he and his wife built from the ground up. A lifelong member of St. James AME Church, his contributions there have earned him several awards and certificates, including the esteemed Man of the Year Award. He is also a founding member of the Road Knights Car Club, where he remains actively involved.
Colonel Thaddious Goodman
Colonel (R) Thaddious Goodman completed a 26-year career in distinguished public service as Chief of Staff of Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the North Atlantic Regional Medical Command. Thad has been a member of Quinn Chapel AME Church since 1981, where he has served extensively as a teacher and fundraiser. Actively involved in the community, he formerly served as a board member at Frederick Community College and the Maryland School for the Deaf Foundation, among many other efforts.
Rose Dorsey Chaney
Rose Chaney spent her 34-year career as an art teacher with Frederick County Public Schools. A passionate advocate for history, equity and community engagement, she is a founding member of the African American Resources, Cultural Heritage (AARCH) Society. She has been named a Wertheimer Fellow for Excellence in Volunteerism by the Community Foundation of Frederick County and received the Theodore W. Stephens Lifetime Achievement Award from the Frederick County Human Relations Commission. She has served on multiple community nonprofit boards and is an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church.
Leslie Barnes-Keating
Leslie Barnes-Keating has had a nearly 30-year career with Frederick County government, where she currently serves as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. She has led and participated in countless grants programs, projects and committees focused on creating strategies to serve vulnerable seniors, children and families in the Frederick community. Additionally, as a licensed Realtor® in partnership with her husband Jim, Leslie is co-owner of the Keating Group of Keller Williams Realty Centre real estate team.
Dr. Olivia White
A lifelong educator, leader and community champion, Dr. Olivia White currently serves as Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Hood College. Additional community roles include Project Manager for the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) Good Health WINs initiative, Chair of the Charitable Partners Committee for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and President of the AARCH Society, where she is leading the effort to bring Frederick’s African American Heritage Center to life.
John Onley
A Frederick native, John Onley has spent decades as a pianist and director of community gospel choirs, bringing uplifting music to community events, local nursing homes and other venues. His Tree of Life Gospel Singers have provided college scholarships to deserving local high school students. Most recently, he has served as director of the Frederick County Mass Choir. He finds great fulfillment in volunteering his talent to inspire the community through traditional African American gospel music.
Shirley Fossett
Shirley Fossett is known locally as the head of the Off-Street Basketball League, a highly successful program for children ages 7–18 that encourages community involvement and leadership development. Fundraisers within the league have supported the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the National Kidney Foundation and the American Liver Foundation, among others. She is an active member of Jackson Chapel United Methodist Church and has also served as a foster parent and Stepping Stone Centers board member.