After three years in office, Midtown Community Benefits District President Nan Rohrer announced this week that she will step down at the end of the year to pursue new opportunities.
Her decision triggers a search by the district’s board of directors to find a new leader for the 25-year-old neighborhood advocacy and improvement organization. The position has already been posted, and Rohrer said she will work with the board and staff over the next several months to ensure a smooth transition of daily operations and major initiatives.
The Midtown Community Benefits District was authorized by law in 1996 to perform services that supplement city operations in four city neighborhoods north of downtown: Bolton Hill, Charles North, Madison Park, and Mount Vernon.
The organization’s mission is to strengthen the four neighborhoods and make them better places to live and work. Its services range from security to street cleaning and beautification. Its directors come largely from the four neighborhoods, and its efforts are funded by a taxpayer-approved property tax surcharge.
Since joining Midtown in 2018 from the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Rohrer has put the organization on a more secure financial foundation, increasing monetary reserves and diversifying funding sources. She expanded relationships with city agencies and non-profits to serve Midtown constituents better, and she put a priority on “greening projects” in the four neighborhoods. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she has worked to make sure vital services weren’t interrupted.
Rohrer said in an email message that she intends to pursue consulting work with a focus on parks projects and organizational and project management for non-profits and mission-driven organizations. One of her strong interests is the revitalization of the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River and the planning process currently underway for more than 11 miles of shoreline there.
“Midtown is in a great position for the next person to come in and run with some incredible projects,” she said in her message. “One of the efforts I’m most proud of is instituting a $15 minimum wage at Midtown. We increased salaries across the board for our employees, acknowledging the hard work and dedication by those who carry out Midtown’s mission every day.”
“Nan has transformed Midtown Baltimore into an effective, financially stable, engaged community partner,” said Biffrey Braxton, chair of the board of directors. “We are grateful for her vision and leadership. The entire board wishes Nan every success in her future endeavors.”
The board of directors will oversee the hiring process for a new president. The job posting can be found at https://tinyurl.com/MCBDPresidentJob
