About Sue Hecht

Since her reelection to the House of Delegates in 2006, Sue Hecht has served as a member of the Economic Matters Committee and the Joint Technology and Biotechnology Oversight Committee. In the past few years, Sue has focused her efforts on economic development, biotechnology, consumer rights, and public utility issues while becoming a recognized leader in promoting renewable energy sources.

First elected in 1995, Sue rose quickly through the ranks of leadership, serving as a Vice Chair on the powerful Appropriations Committee; as Deputy Majority Whip; and later as president of the Women Legislators of Maryland. Her success in spearheading the passage of more than 30 bills focused on education, transportation, environment, energy, and child/domestic/elder abuse led the Business Gazette newspaper to rate her as one of the “most effective” legislators in the state in 2002. She was also the first legislator to receive a “Circle of Excellence” designation as a three time winner of “Maryland’s Top 100 Women Award” from the Daily Record.

As a public servant and community activist, Sue has more than 20 years experience in helping women, families and working Marylanders throughout Frederick County and the State. She has dedicated much of her career to the prevention of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse--a profound calling that has influenced her other work experience as a state legislator, businesswoman, university instructor and freelance writer. In March 2006, Sue retired from her position as CEO of Heartly House, a nationally recognized non-profit organization that provides services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse, where she served a total of 13 years. One of her proudest legacies is the Sue Hecht/Heartly House Community Foundation Fund, established to provide ongoing operating funds for the agency. Sue also served for two years as president of the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence.

Sue is active on many boards and committees in the Frederick area. She has served on the Workforce Creations and Adult Education Transition Council, Frederick Area Committee on Transportation (FACT), Women’s Giving Circle, Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee, Hood College Board of Associates, Leadership Frederick, and the Carroll Creek Rotary Club. At the state level, she served as First Vice Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party and was a co-founder of the Women’s Leadership Network.

Born and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland, Sue and her family moved to Frederick County in 1976. She is a graduate of Frederick Community College and Hood College with a bachelor’s degree in management. She received her MBA from Frostburg State University, where she also taught in the graduate program. She resides in the Worman’s Mill community with her husband, Dr. Robert Forder, a retired health administrator and educator. They enjoy their blended family of six adult children, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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