COLUMBIA, MD (May 14, 2025) — The Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHoCo) is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Curtin as its new President & Chief Executive Officer, effective June 9, 2025. Following a broad national search led by DRiWaterstone Human Capital, the Board of Trustees unanimously selected Curtin to lead the Foundation in its mission of inspiring lifelong giving and connecting people, places, and organizations to worthy causes across Howard County and beyond.
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.
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.
“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.”
Throughout her career, Curtin has demonstrated excellence in board development, communications, community engagement, fund development, and strategic planning. Her experience includes leadership roles at the Partnership for Nonprofit Excellence in Richmond, Virginia, the Forum for Youth Investment in Washington, D.C. and Corporate Voices for Working Families. She also managed a corporate foundation with a $32 million grantmaking budget for youth development programs.
“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. 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.
As the first community foundation established in Maryland in 1969, CFHoCo has a rich history of connecting philanthropically-minded donors with giving opportunities. The Foundation currently manages approximately $36 million in assets and distributes more than $2 million in grants and scholarships annually to support education, the arts, human services and critical support for vulnerable members of the Howard County community.
Join us as we welcome Melissa Curtin as the new President & CEO at the Community Foundation of Howard County’s Spring Party on Thursday, May 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are available here.
About the Community Foundation of Howard County
The Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHoCo) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public organization that connects donors with avenues for philanthropic giving in Howard County and beyond. CFHoCo is governed by a local volunteer Board of Trustees and run by professionals with expertise in assessing the community’s needs, working with donors to connect generosity with need, and managing charitable assets. In 2024 CFHoCo awarded more than $2.1 million across 477 grants and scholarships. The Foundation is committed to building a vibrant, compassionate, and engaged Howard County community. For more information, visit www.cfhoco.org.