United Way of Central Maryland’s president and CEO has stepped down.
Franklyn Baker, who has served as the nonprofit’s president and CEO since 2016, has decided to resign, United Way of Central Maryland announced Tuesday.
“After a great deal of reflection, I believe this is the right time for United Way of Central Maryland to move into its next chapter,” Baker said.
Taking on the position of interim president and CEO will be Carmel Del Guercio, who previously led the Maryland Food Bank for eight years before stepping down in 2025. Del Guercio will assume the role effective immediately.
“I look forward to working with dedicated United Way team members and partners to unlock what we are truly capable of and continue to build on a 100-year history of serving greater Baltimore communities,” Del Guercio said.
The Board of Directors will work with an executive search firm to launch a national search for the nonprofit’s next permanent CEO.
Rodney Oddoye, board chair at United Way of Central Maryland, thanked Baker on behalf of the Board of Directors “for his leadership and dedication to this organization over his nearly 10 years of service, and the impact he has had on our community.”
Baker expressed confidence that the United Way team will shepherd the organization through its next 100 years of service to central Maryland communities.
He said, “I am incredibly proud of what this organization accomplished during my tenure; from surpassing our $20 million goal in the 100th Anniversary Campaign, expanding promising best practice programs like Young Men United and our Family Centers and receiving multiple years of recognition as a Top Workplace while maintaining our 4-Star Charity Navigator rating.”underway to take United Way through to its next 100 years serving this community.”
United Way of Central Maryland works to expand access to health, housing, education, financial security, youth opportunities, and other needs in communities in Baltimore City as well as Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties.
