COLUMBIA, Md. — The Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHoCo) appointed Melissa Curtin as president and CEO, effective June 9, 2025. Following a 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 causes across Howard County and beyond.
Curtin succeeds Beverly White-Seals, who led the foundation for the past 13 years.
Curtin brings extensive experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership to CFHoCo, including as president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, where she, the board of trustees and the staff 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 annual 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 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 (WGC) and is 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 history of connecting philanthropically minded donors with giving opportunities. The foundation currently manages approximately $36 million in assets and distributes over $2 million in grants and scholarships annually to support education, the arts and organizations helping vulnerable members of the Howard County community.
The Community Foundation of Howard County serves as a knowledgeable, trusted partner that forges connections between donors and nonprofit organizations to provide impactful investments in Howard County. In 2023, the foundation awarded more than $1.7 million through 425 grants to organizations delivering human service, arts and cultural, educational and civic programs. Money for the grant programs comes primarily from income generated by the foundation’s endowment supported by more than 400 funds established by Howard County businesses, families and individuals. For more information, visit CFHoCo.org or call 410-730-7840.
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