From 1983 to 1994, she held senior-level positions at several Prince George's County government agencies, including executive director of the Consumer Protection Commission, and community partnerships director at the Department of Family Services. In 1994 she was elected to the Prince George's county council, where she served for eight years. She was council chairman for two terms and vice chair for three terms. After leaving the council, Bailey served as parent liaison for the Prince George's County Public Schools.
