Deidra Ritchie

Currently serves as Executive Director of the Canal Place Preservation & Development Authority (CPPDA) and the Passages of the Western Potomac Heritage Area (PWPHA). I was born and raised in Frostburg, Maryland and have always been an avid outdoors person. I followed that love for the outdoors by attending Frostburg State University where I graduated with a Masters Degree in Education and Park and Recreation Resource Management. Continuing my interest in outdoor recreation I began a twenty-two-year career with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Program Open Space, where I worked in the field of land preservation, historic preservation, boating access, and park development.

In June of 2012 I accepted the position as Executive Director of the CPPDA where I continue to follow my passion for historical and cultural preservation as well as being committed to developing and supporting leisure opportunities through heritage tourism. As Executive Director, I believe that partnerships and collaboration are critical to the success of the quality of life, heritage tourism opportunities, and economic growth of Allegany County. Through these successful collaborations some of my major accomplishments with the CPPDA include the expansion of the existing heritage area boundaries, the re-development of the historic Footers Dye Works, the conversion of the Western Maryland Railway Station into an energy efficient building, and the initiation of the proposed River Park at Canal Place.

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