Baltimore, January 7, 2026
Fagan Harris has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the Abell Foundation, succeeding Robert C. Embry Jr., who held the position for 38 years. With a background in public service and community development, Harris aims to drive initiatives focused on strengthening Baltimore’s middle class and fostering economic growth. His leadership is expected to bring innovative strategies and new partnerships, continuing the foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life in the city.
Baltimore, Maryland – Fagan Harris Appointed President of Abell Foundation
Baltimore, Maryland – In a significant leadership transition, Fagan Harris has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the Abell Foundation, effective January 5, 2026. Harris, who previously served as chief of staff to Governor Wes Moore, will take over the reins from Robert C. Embry Jr., a stalwart figure who guided the foundation for 38 years.
Leadership Transition at Abell Foundation
The Abell Foundation, established in 1953, plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of life in Baltimore through strategic grants, research, and investments focused on health, education, and community development. Harris’s appointment is a notable moment for the organization, marking the beginning of a new chapter following the distinguished tenure of Embry. His leadership has left a commendable legacy, making room for fresh perspectives and innovational strategies.
Fagan Harris’s Background
Fagan Harris brings a wealth of experience to his new role at the Abell Foundation. He co-founded and led Baltimore Corps, an organization that prioritizes connecting residents with career opportunities and nurturing local entrepreneurship. Notably, during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, he successfully enlisted over 300 residents as full-time public health professionals. Previously, he served as National Director at the Emerson Collective, focusing on vital issues such as immigration reform. His diverse portfolio of leadership experiences positions him uniquely to influence positive change in Baltimore.
Embry’s Legacy
The retirement of Robert C. Embry Jr. signifies the end of a remarkable era for the Abell Foundation, during which he advocated for key projects that transformed the city, including significant contributions to the Inner Harbor’s revitalization and efforts to combat income and health disparities. His strategic vision and commitment to philanthropy have profoundly shaped the framework of community development and are likely to serve as a foundation for future initiatives under Harris’s leadership.
Looking Ahead
As Harris steps into the role, the Abell Foundation is poised to continue its mission of fostering a healthier, safer, and more prosperous Baltimore. His extensive background in public service and community engagement is expected to steer the foundation’s focus toward strengthening the middle class and addressing systemic challenges impacting the city. The commitment to innovation and community support is anticipated to lead to new partnerships and initiatives that bolster the local economy and create opportunities for Maryland entrepreneurs.
Supporting Local Growth
The Abell Foundation’s strategic direction under Harris will likely emphasize the importance of entrepreneurial innovation and small business resilience. By advocating for reduced red tape and fostering a favorable regulatory environment, it aims to create a climate where Baltimore’s entrepreneurs can thrive, ultimately benefiting the entire Maryland economy. Encouraging private investments and community involvement can catalyze job creation and strengthen Baltimore’s position as a hub of economic activity.
Importance of Community Engagement
Harris’s commitment to community engagement signals a proactive approach towards addressing the needs and challenges of Baltimore residents. By building connections between local businesses, residents, and community organizations, the Abell Foundation aims to elevate the voices and needs of the community, ensuring that economic growth is inclusive and beneficial to all segments of the population.
Conclusion
Fagan Harris’s appointment as president and CEO marks a transformative period for the Abell Foundation. As it moves forward, the foundation’s focus on fostering a healthier, safer, and more prosperous Baltimore aligns with growing interest in supporting local entrepreneurship and economic resilience. Residents and stakeholders alike are encouraged to stay engaged and support initiatives that contribute to Baltimore’s bright economic future.
FAQ
- Who is Fagan Harris?
- Fagan Harris is the new president and CEO of the Abell Foundation, appointed on January 5, 2026. He previously served as chief of staff to Governor Wes Moore and co-founded Baltimore Corps, an organization connecting city residents with career opportunities and supporting local entrepreneurship. Under his leadership, Baltimore Corps enlisted over 300 residents as full-time public health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to that, he served as the National Director at the Emerson Collective, focusing on immigration reform.
- What is the Abell Foundation?
- The Abell Foundation, established in 1953, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Baltimore through grants, research, and investments in health, education, and community development. The foundation aims to foster a healthier, safer, and more prosperous Baltimore by addressing systemic challenges and supporting initiatives that strengthen the city’s middle class.
- What is the significance of Robert C. Embry Jr.’s retirement?
- Robert C. Embry Jr. served as the president of the Abell Foundation for 38 years, making significant contributions to Baltimore’s development, including support for the Inner Harbor’s revitalization and initiatives addressing income and health disparities. His retirement marks the end of a significant era for the foundation, and his leadership has left a lasting impact on the city’s philanthropic landscape.
- What are the Abell Foundation’s goals under Harris’s leadership?
- Under Fagan Harris’s leadership, the Abell Foundation aims to continue its mission of fostering a healthier, safer, and more prosperous Baltimore. Harris’s experience in public service and community engagement is expected to drive the foundation’s efforts in strengthening the city’s middle class and addressing systemic challenges.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Leadership | Fagan Harris appointed as president and CEO of the Abell Foundation, effective January 5, 2026, succeeding Robert C. Embry Jr. |
| Leadership Transition | Embry’s retirement after 38 years marks a significant change for the foundation, which has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Baltimore through grants, research, and investments in health, education, and community development. |
| Fagan Harris’s Background | Co-founder and former leader of Baltimore Corps, which connected city residents with career opportunities and supported local entrepreneurship. Served as chief of staff to Governor Wes Moore and National Director at the Emerson Collective, focusing on immigration reform. |
| Embry’s Legacy | Led the Abell Foundation for 38 years, contributing to Baltimore’s development, including support for the Inner Harbor’s revitalization and initiatives addressing income and health disparities. |
| Foundation’s Goals Under Harris | Aim to continue fostering a healthier, safer, and more prosperous Baltimore, with a focus on strengthening the city’s middle class and addressing systemic challenges. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Owner of Green Environmental Pleads Guilty to Fraudulent Lead Inspections
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
