By Zy Richardson
Zy Media Group
The Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL) announced a nationwide search for a new president and CEO on March 11. During the search, the GBUL Board has established an interim management structure to ensure effective and responsible handling of operational and administrative responsibilities during this transitional period.
“As we embark on this journey, we seek someone with a deep appreciation for GBUL’s rich history and a commitment to serve by exploring untapped opportunities within the Greater Baltimore region, a leader to champion a bold and visionary approach, aiming to elevate a local powerhouse like GBUL to national prominence, fueled by unparalleled passion, relentless drive and innovative thinking,” said Board Chair Ricky D. Smith Sr., who is leading the process.
The Board has already established a 15-member selection committee representing various sectors of the community throughout the Greater Baltimore region and plans to complete the search process by late fall.
The committee envisions a president and CEO who can develop and communicate the vision of the GBUL, providing leadership to the organization with a deep knowledge about the challenges facing African-American and minority communities.
Established in 1924, GBUL stands as one of the oldest affiliates of the National Urban League, reflecting a rich history of community engagement and service. For a century, GBUL has played a crucial role in the region, leaving an indelible mark on communities across Greater Baltimore. With an annual operating budget of $5.73 million, GBUL is dedicated to addressing social, economic, health, and educational disparities among African Americans and other minorities.
Notably, GBUL leads popular workforce development programs, including the Cybersecurity Certification Program and the Career Trade Apprentice Program, Project Jumpstart, both of which have been instrumental. Additionally, GBUL actively invests in Maryland’s future workforce through the Youth Empowerment Program. This initiative includes the Saturday Leadership Program, a college and career readiness opportunity with a 96 percent college acceptance rate. Project Ready, a community-centered program, prepares youth through mentorship. These programs will continue apace as the search process unfolds.
GBUL also proudly leads the Raymond V. Haysbert Sr. Center for Entrepreneurship to help entrepreneurs start or expand their businesses. One standout initiative within the center is the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program (BRAP), now in its fourth successful year. In collaboration with the PepsiCo Foundation and the National Urban League, BRAP provides intensive training related to business operations, marketing, financial management, staffing, and regulation compliance for aspiring restaurateurs. The program offers an eight to 10-week intensive curriculum to empower and educate Black restaurant owners, and awards $10,000 in individual grants to participants. Since its inception, BRAP has graduated 24 restaurant owners, collectively awarded $240,000 in grant funds and created 96 restaurant jobs in the greater Baltimore region.
As the organization welcomes its new CEO, these impactful programs will continue to thrive and evolve, reinforcing GBUL’s unwavering dedication to community empowerment and development over the past century.
“We need candidates who embrace visionary and responsible leadership as a catalyst, influencer and change agent,” added Smith Sr. “I am enthusiastic about the future of GBUL and the path we are charting, and I look forward to having a dynamic new CEO lead us on our journey.”
The Board is also preparing for the upcoming celebration of GBUL’s centennial. This 100-year milestone presents an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable history and service of GBUL and envision its promising future. Preliminary plans are in progress for the 100th Anniversary Celebration in October, with intermittent events leading up to the main celebration.
This article was originally published by Zy Media Group.