We’re Excited to Announce Our Next Guest! Episode 021 of the Dear BLK ED Podcast “Measuring What Matters: A Leader’s Guide to Meaningful Change” with Franklyn Baker will be available on Spotify & YouTube on December 12!
About Franklyn Baker:
Franklyn Baker is a cross-functional senior executive with nearly 30 years of diverse expertise in primarily non-profit organizations. He has been president and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland since 2016. Under his leadership, the organization has experienced measurable shifts in culture by championing equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as tremendous growth in revenue, people served, innovative programs, volunteers engaged, and much more. During his tenure, United Way has expanded its homelessness prevention and family stability sites, spearheaded new educational equity initiatives, and launched the development of two new Family Centers providing affordable childcare and early childhood education in Columbia and Poppleton.
Baker focuses on collaborative partnerships that amplify the voices and power of community leaders and residents to strengthen the lives of families and individuals across central Maryland, as well as the neighborhoods they call home. Baker’s leadership, as well as United Way’s impact and focus on high-need communities, were factors in philanthropist MacKenzie Scott’s decision to award the organization a $20 million unrestricted donation in 2020 – the largest gift in the organization’s 100-year history. Baker also led the organization’s effort to exceed their $20 million fundraising goal for its 100th Anniversary Campaign.
Prior to United Way, Baker held executive leadership positions at Greenpeace USA, Volunteers of America Chesapeake, and more. Baker earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Howard University and a master’s degree in nonprofit administration from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame. He serves in leadership and sits on multiple nonprofit boards, including Baltimore’s Promise, Parks & People, Maryland Access to Justice Commission, Baltimore Public Media, Truist Bank, the Center Club, the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, and others. He is also a member of United Way Worldwide’s Network Advisory Council. He has been married to his wife (Michell) for 28 years, and they share a 22-year-old daughter (Gabriell). He loves sports, reading, and swimming.
What to Expect:
Inspirational Stories: Hear from seasoned leaders and emerging voices, sharing their journeys, challenges, and triumphs.
Expert Insights: Gain valuable advice and perspectives from industry experts and thought leaders in the non-profit sector.
Community Connection: Feel the pulse of a vibrant community, fostering collaboration, support, and shared growth.
In this conversation, we’ll dig into how leaders build trust, deliver results, and stay grounded while navigating an evolving nonprofit landscape.
Explore Past Episodes Here: Dear BLK ED on Spotify!