Support Local Frederick

Middletown Valley Bank (“MVB” or “the Bank”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Community Heritage Financial, Inc., is proud to announce the recent hiring of Mike Auldridge, Executive Vice President – Mortgage Lending Leader and Mary Barry, Vice President – Retail Branch Manager, as well as the promotions of Michael Pallansch, Estee Burgess, and Ashlyn Norton from the Retail Banking team.

Mike Auldridge, EVP – Mortgage Lending Leader, comes to MVB with 32 years of experience in mortgage banking, previously serving as VP – Senior Loan Officer at Bay Capital Mortgage Corporation. Robert “BJ” Goetz, Jr, President and Chief Executive Officer, says, “Mike is a fantastic addition to our leadership team. His experience and deep expertise in mortgage lending will be invaluable as we continue to expand our services and deepen relationships with our customers and communities.” Mike comments, “I am thrilled to be joining the MVB team. What stands out most is the strong culture and genuine commitment to both customers and employees. I am excited to contribute to the continued growth of the mortgage division and to support our communities by helping individuals and families achieve homeownership.”

Mary Barry, VP – Retail Branch Manager, joins MVB after 37 years as a well-known banker and community partner in Frederick County. She most recently worked at Sandy Spring Bank (now Atlantic Union Bank), Woodsboro Bank, and Frederick County National Bank. “Mary has spent more than three decades building trusted relationships in the Frederick market, and we are excited to have her lead our Frederick Branch,” said BJ Goetz. “Her experience, local knowledge, and dedication to customer service embody the values that define Middletown Valley Bank.” Mary is deeply ingrained in the Frederick community as a member of the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, serving as Co-Chair of the Community Service Committee and as a member of the Hands-On Project Committee and Welcome Committee. She also volunteers her time with the Community Foundation of Frederick County and with the Frederick Health Development Council as Chair of the Special Gifts Committee, where she also is a donor to the Order of the Good Samaritan with her husband. Mary adds, “I am excited to begin working at Middletown Valley Bank, as I am joining a respected and genuine community bank. I look forward to building strong relationships, assisting clients, and delivering supporting service to my community.”

Michael Pallansch has been promoted to VP – Client Relationship Officer for the Frederick County market. He has been with MVB for nearly 10 years and previously served as VP – Retail Banking Area Manager over the Middletown and Frederick Branches. Michael is a recent graduate of Leadership Frederick County and is actively involved in the community through Main Street Middletown’s Economic Development Committee. “Joining the MVB team nearly ten years ago was the start of my professional career, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to grow. This bank has shaped me in more ways than I can count – the people, the support, and the culture make it a place I’m truly proud to be part of. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here and excited for what’s ahead” says Michael.

Estee Burgess is now serving as Banking Officer – Retail Branch Manager of the Middletown Branch. She is a tenured employee at the Middletown Branch, having spent over seven years with the Bank, and has a special passion for serving the community she has called home for many years. “Stepping into a leadership role with MVB is incredibly meaningful to me because this community has always been such an important part of my life. Having grown up in and around Middletown, I have a unique appreciation for the relationships and trust built here over the years. I’m proud to now contribute to that legacy and support our customers and neighbors” says Estee.

Ashlyn Norton has been promoted to Banking Officer – Retail Branch Manager of the Eastern Blvd. Branch in Hagerstown. She has been with the Bank for close to seven years and previously served as Branch Services Manager at the Eastern Blvd. Branch. She is a recent graduate of Leadership Washington County and gives back to the community through her involvement in coaching youth sports and other volunteer efforts through the Bank’s relationships with local nonprofits. Ashlyn states, “I am honored to step into this new leadership role after almost seven years with Middletown Valley Bank. Throughout my time here, I have had the opportunity to learn from exceptional mentors, build meaningful relationships with our customers and communities, and grow both personally and professionally. I am excited to continue supporting our team and customers, and to contribute to the Bank’s success.”

“We are proud to welcome Mike and Mary to MVB and to recognize Michael, Estee, and Ashlyn as they continue to grow and advance within our organization. These well-deserved promotions reflect their dedication to delivering exceptional service and underscore our commitment to developing talent and fostering leadership as we serve our customers and communities. We are especially pleased that so many of these talented individuals are helping lead our efforts in Frederick County, a market where we continue to make significant investments as we expand our presence in the City of Frederick” says BJ Goetz.

The Community Foundation of Frederick County announces its FY27 Strategic Grant program. Applications for Strategic Grants will be accepted from August 1 through August 31, 2026.

Nonprofit organizations that provide services supporting seniors, addressing the needs of families with children who fall within the ALICE threshold, or offering programs focused on substance use disorder should apply for funding. Special consideration will be given to grant applications that address the areas above, as well as mental health, disparities in service delivery, and affordable housing. All funding must provide direct benefits to residents of Frederick County, Maryland. This year’s grantmaking will include funding for FY27 and FY28, with all grant money to be used from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2028.

Nonprofit representatives interested in learning more are invited to attend a training session on Wednesday, July 22, at 2 p.m. at the C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. The training will provide an overview of the Community Foundation's funding priorities through the Strategic Grant process, updates on this year's grant cycle, eligibility requirements, the role of committee reviewers, and guidance on accessing and navigating the Foundant grant platform. Register for the training at www.FrederickCountyGives.org/StrategicGrantTraining.

All grant applications are made through the Community Foundation’s online application, and details can be found at www.FrederickCountyGives.org/Grants.

Eligible organizations must certify that they are one of the following: a 501c3 nonprofit, a government agency applying for an extraordinary project that is not funded by tax revenue, a faith-based organization requesting funding for non-sectarian activities, or a civic group that is not a 501c3 requesting funding for a community cause.

As a leader in grant and scholarship funding, The Community Foundation of Frederick County has given back more than $111 million to the community since 1986. To learn more about how the Community Foundation impacts Frederick County, visit www.FrederickCountyGives.org.