The Robert W. Deutsch Foundation, which provides philanthropic investment to support the lives and neighborhoods of Baltimoreans, has named a new president and CEO.
George A. Hopkins, who has served as the Deutsch Foundation’s Director of Community Innovations for nearly two years, will succeed outgoing president and CEO Jane Brown. Hopkins will begin his new role in January 2027.
“I am humbled and appreciative of this opportunity to honor the Foundation’s legacy, while leading its long-term investments in the city and culture of Baltimore into the future,” Hopkins said. “I have a deep appreciation for the innovative, collaborative leadership Jane has exemplified for more than 30 years. It will be an honor to continue working with her as board chair and alongside the incredible team she has cultivated.”
The foundation announced in June that Brown would be stepping aside after 31 years of leading the organization.
She will serve as the foundation’s board chair “to make way for a new generation of leadership,” according to a news release.
“I am thrilled to welcome George Hopkins as our new CEO,” Brown said. “He loves this city and its people, is full of energy and optimism, and is open to new ideas and ways to collaborate that get important things done. I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members to wholeheartedly support George and our amazing, youthful staff in service to improving the quality of life in Baltimore.”
The search process attracted 119 applicants, whom Pluck Consulting reviewed.
Before coming to the foundation, Hopkins served as co-chair of Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development (BUILD) and the board chair of ReBuild Metro.
In 2014, Hopkins founded a southwest Baltimore church. As BUILD co-chair, in 2020 he pursued a partnership with Johns Hopkins University to expand access to COVID-19 testing and vaccines for Spanish-speaking Baltimoreans.
In 2023, Mayor Brandon Scott, BUILD, and the Greater Baltimore Committee announced a 15-year plan to invest $3 billion to redevelop at least 37,500 Baltimore City properties. That effort has received ongoing investments from the Deutsch Foundation and other philanthropic partners.
“Witnessing people realize their power to determine their community’s future – whether through education, advocacy, or artistic expression – fuels my dedication to this work,” Hopkins said. “In a moment where we see every day what we don’t want our reality to be, it is important that we creatively and collectively imagine the world we want to build and experience together.”
