We are proud to announce that Melissa Curtin, President & CEO, has been named one of The Daily Record’s 2026 Top 100 Women, a prestigious recognition honoring Maryland women who demonstrate outstanding professional achievement, leadership, and community impact.
Now in its 30th year, The Daily Record’s Top 100 Women program recognizes women who are shaping Maryland’s future through their careers, community service, and commitment to mentoring and leadership.
Melissa has served as a senior executive, strategy consultant, or management and leadership coach in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors for the past twenty years – the last nearly 12 of those years in Maryland.
“Melissa Curtin is an extraordinary leader whose vision and commitment are strengthening the Community Foundation’s role as a catalyst for philanthropy in Howard County,” said Barb Rishel, Chair of the Community Foundation of Howard County Board of Trustees. “She brings people together around a shared purpose, helping donors and community partners invest in solutions that improve lives today while helping to build a stronger future for our community.”
Under Melissa’s leadership, CFHC is deepening its work as a trusted philanthropic partner and convener – mobilizing philanthropy to support nonprofit organizations, respond to emerging community challenges, and invest in initiatives that promote opportunity and well-being.
She has long championed the power of women’s philanthropy and collective giving, supporting initiatives that elevate women’s leadership and bring new voices into philanthropy – part of a broader commitment to ensuring that philanthropy is inclusive, responsive, and community-driven.
“When I think about what this recognition reflects, I think about our donors — the people who trust the Community Foundation of Howard County with their generosity and their hopes for this community. I think about the nonprofit partners doing the hard, essential work every day. I think about the community leaders who show up, ask hard questions, and stay at the table,” said Melissa. “Philanthropy is a team sport, and I’m grateful to play alongside such extraordinary people.”
The announcement comes during Women’s History Month, a time that highlights the leadership and contributions of women across Maryland and the country.
Melissa and the other Top 100 Women honorees will be recognized by The Daily Record at an awards celebration on May 4. The Community Foundation of Howard County congratulates all of this year’s honorees and is especially proud to celebrate alongside the remarkable leaders from Howard County being recognized, as well as the many women honored by The Daily Record over the past 30 years.
The Community Foundation of Howard County connects people, resources, and ideas to strengthen the community through philanthropy. By working alongside donors, nonprofits, and civic leaders, CFHC helps support programs and initiatives that improve opportunity, well-being, and quality of life throughout Howard County.