WGC Welcomes Melissa Curtin as New Community Foundation President & CEO

WGC Leader Melissa Curtin Named Community Foundation President & CEO

The WGC is thrilled to welcome Melissa Curtin as the newly appointed President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County.

Curtin brings extensive experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership to CFHoCo, including a successful tenure as President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, where she, the Board of Trustees and the staff team tripled annual grantmaking and assets under management in less than three years.

“I believe deeply in the power of philanthropy and the vital partnerships between nonprofits, donors, and our community,” said Curtin. “I’m honored to join the Community Foundation of Howard County and to partner with the Board of Trustees, the dedicated staff, generous donors, and community partners to expand the Foundation’s impact and contribute along with those who are already shaping a stronger, more equitable Howard County.”

Curtin currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Foundation and the Board of Directors for the Touchstones Discussion Project. She served on the Advisory Board for the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County, a fund at CFHoCo, and is currently the Chair of The WGC’s “Big Give” 2025.

"Melissa is a long-time WGC leader and current Chair of the WGC's Big Give" said Jennifer Woods, WGC Chair. "As a fund of the Community Foundation, we are excited to work closely together with Melissa and the team to support our community."

She previously served on the boards of the Maryland Philanthropy Network, Maryland Community Foundation Association, Standards for Excellence National Council, Maryland Nonprofits and the Maryland Commission for Women. Curtin holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Wyoming, along with numerous professional certifications.

"We are so fortunate to work with Melissa in this new leadership capacity" said Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director. "She has vast experience in the sector and a unique understanding of the opportunities that Community Foundations and giving circles have to bring more diverse voices and lived experiences to the philanthropic table to support our community."

Curtin succeeds Beverly White-Seals, who led the Foundation for the past 13 years and is transitioning into a part-time position as Chief Executive Grandmother for her two young grandchildren.

Here is the official announcement

“Melissa’s proven track record of community foundation leadership, combined with her deep commitment to Howard County, where she has lived for over a decade, makes her the ideal person to lead the Foundation into its next chapter,” said Barbara Rishel, Chair of the CFHoCo Board of Trustees. “Her strategic vision, fundraising expertise and collaborative approach to community engagement align perfectly with our mission and values.”

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