The Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore has found its next president.
Dan Taylor, an executive with the Baltimore Development Corporation, will succeed the Waterfront Partnership’s current president, Laurie Schwartz, after her retirement on June 30.
“I am deeply honored to step into this role and continue the incredible work that the Waterfront Partnership has led over the past 20 years,” Taylor said in a statement. “Baltimore’s waterfront is one of the city’s most iconic and beloved assets, and I look forward to continuing the organization’s work to make it a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving space for everyone.”
Taylor has worked for the Baltimore Development Corporation for nearly 12 years, including in his current role as Vice President of Business and Neighborhood Development. He has also served on the Waterfront Partnership’s board since 2021.
Schwartz worked with Taylor on the transformation of Rash Field Park, among other projects.
“Having worked alongside Dan for years, I know firsthand the passion, creativity, and dedication he brings to his work,” Schwartz said in a statement. “Dan understands the importance of our mission and shares a deep commitment to Baltimore’s waterfront and its future. I look forward to seeing how the organization continues to grow under his leadership.”
Schwartz and Taylor’s tenure with the Waterfront Partnership will overlap during a transition period, with Taylor serving as Incoming President in May. Then, he will transition to the role of President following Schwartz’s retirement on June 30.
“Dan’s deep knowledge of Baltimore’s waterfront and proven leadership make him the right person to carry forward the Waterfront Partnership’s mission,” said Tim O’Donald, board chairman of the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, in a statement. “The Board is confident that under his leadership, the organization will continue building on the incredible momentum of the past 20 years.”
Taylor has helped oversee several major Baltimore projects, such as the Harborplace redevelopment, Maryland Science Center improvements, development of nine acres of new public parks at Harbor Point, and creation of outdoor spaces along the Harbor East Promenade.
“Dan has been instrumental in many of BDC’s successes, leading transformative projects like the redevelopment of key Downtown Westside sites and Rash Field, as well as helping to launch the recent Commercial Districts Assessment Program,” said Colin Tarbert, president and CEO of the Baltimore Development Corporation, in a statement. “He is a dedicated public servant, and I’m thrilled he will continue serving the city in his new role, where his expertise will further drive positive change for Baltimore’s iconic waterfront.”
Taylor earned a Master’s of Community Planning degree from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from the University of Michigan.
He has served as a member of ULI Baltimore, the Maryland Economic Development Association, and the Impact Hub Baltimore Advisory Committee. He has also shared his expertise with students at Johns Hopkins University, Morgan State University and the University of Maryland for several years.
