Maryland Humanities Accepting Nominations for Fall 2020 Election to Board of Directors
(Baltimore, MD) – Maryland Humanities is seeking nominations for new members to join its dynamic volunteer Board of Directors. Nominees should have a passion for the humanities as well as a deep commitment to our mission of engaging Marylanders in lifelong learning in the humanities, inspiring the open exchange of ideas, and enriching Maryland communities.
Maryland Humanities is an educational nonprofit established in 1973. The organization directly serves more than 50,000 people—from youth to seniors—through hundreds of free events in 170 communities across the state each year, with additional offerings online that reach as many as half a million people annually. Maryland Humanities inspires and promotes lifelong learning and stimulates dialogue about our histories, cultures, and futures as Marylanders. Our programs—like One Maryland One Book and Maryland History Day—use the humanities to foster understanding among people with diverse perspectives and to strengthen our ability to interact meaningfully.
Maryland Humanities specifically seeks humanities enthusiasts with experience in social sciences, community development, organizational development, human resources, and corporate strategy. Nominees should have deep community connections and a willingness to activate them. They should be proactive in generating ideas, perspectives, or approaches that would help clarify, strengthen, and advance the mission of Maryland Humanities.
Maryland Humanities also seeks to add members who reflect the state’s demographic and racial diversity, as well as those who offer a broad geographical representation of the state. Currently, Maryland Humanities is prioritizing interested community members who reside in Baltimore County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, or the Upper Shore counties of Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s.
Board members’ primary responsibilities include monitoring the organization’s programs and services, ensuring effective fiscal management, fundraising, strategic planning, selecting and orienting new Board members, allocating grant funds, hiring and evaluating the Executive Director, and promoting Maryland Humanities activities. Nominees must be available to attend quarterly Board meetings, periodic committee meetings, and Maryland Humanities events throughout the state. Candidates are expected to make Maryland Humanities a philanthropic priority, with the capacity to contribute the minimum board gift and/or possess the availability and willingness for active solicitation from public or private sources. Members serve without pay and are eligible to serve for as many as three three-year terms. The current Board includes attorneys, business professionals, nonprofit and museum professionals, current and former educators, and financial advisors, among others.
Currently, 26 members comprise the Maryland Humanities Board of Directors. They are: Cynthia Raposo (Chair), Montgomery County; Keith Stone (Vice Chair), Baltimore City; James (Jim) Cornelsen (Treasurer), Charles County; Scott Casper (Secretary), Howard County; Hon. Ronald (Pete) Lesher, Jr.* (Government Liaison), Talbot County; Allyson Black, Anne Arundel County; Mary Callis*, Garrett County; Mary Kay Finan, Allegany County; Mary Hastler*, Harford County; Mark Irwin, Montgomery County; Julia (Julie) Madden*, Howard County; Tiffany McGhee, Baltimore County; Heather Mitchell, Howard County; Ronald (Ron) Nowaczyk, Allegany County; Randy Ontiveros, Prince George’s County; Maarten L. Pereboom, Wicomico County; Jeanne Pirtle, St. Mary’s County; Hon. Gale Rasin, Kent County; Thomas (Tom) B. Riford, Washington County; Nancy Rogers, Montgomery County; Carmel Roques, Howard County; Hon. Stephen (Steve) J. Sfekas, Baltimore City; Jennifer Shea, Montgomery County; Guffrie M. Smith, Jr., Calvert County; Sharon Whitney, Anne Arundel County; Jayson Williams, Baltimore City.
*Indicates a Gubernatorial appointee
Both self-nominations and those of others are welcome. Please complete the Board Nomination Form to nominate yourself or someone you know. All nominations must be received by July 31 to be considered for election in October.