The executive director of Live Baltimore, an organization that promotes the benefits of living in Baltimore, has resigned to move out-of-state.
Steven Gondol, executive director since 2011, announced yesterday that he is moving to Dayton, Ohio, to be with his wife, who is taking a leadership role in her family-owned business, PDi Communication Systems.
Live Baltimore announced its board of directors would begin conducting a search for the next executive director immediately. Gondol said he would remain fully involved in the process of acclimating the organization’s new leadership.
“The board and staff are incredibly sad to see Steve go,” said Stacie Tobin, President of Live Baltimore’s board, in a statement. “We are grateful for Steve’s many years of service to the organization and also for his commitment to steward Live Baltimore through its leadership transition.”
Gondol started with Live Baltimore in 2007 as the Base Realignment and Closure Relocation Manager. He later became the Business Relationship Manager and, in 2011, the executive director.
Under his leadership, Live Baltimore has coordinated the distribution of more than $1.6 million worth of Baltimore City homebuying incentives. In 2016, Live Baltimore’s customers accounted for one in seven Baltimore City home purchases: $213.8 million in home sales and $9.3 million in associated real estate tax revenue to the city.
Gondol called heading Live Baltimore “the best job in the world,” in his announcement.
“The opportunity to lead Live Baltimore is one I never took for granted,” he said. “Introducing prospective residents to this diverse, vibrant, and affordable city has been an absolute honor and privilege.”
Gondol has not accepted a new position in Ohio but hopes to continue his work in urban planning and community development.
“My wife has put her career on hold for ten years so that I can pursue my dreams,” he said. “It’s my time to support our family in this move.”
