Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Partners,
It’s hard to put into words the mix of emotions I feel as I share this news. After much reflection, I have decided to retire as President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County by the end of 2025. Leading CFAAC has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I am incredibly grateful for the time I’ve spent working alongside such a passionate team, dedicated board, and wonderful community that truly believes in the power of generosity.
When I first stepped into this role in 2018, CFAAC was entrusted with $14 million in assets dedicated to grantmaking. Today, thanks to the incredible support of our donors and partners, that number has grown to $43 million, a transformation that reflects the deep generosity and spirit of Anne Arundel County. This accomplishment ensures we can make an even greater impact in the years to come. Since 2018, we’ve achieved incredible milestones together: raising more than $68 million, granting over $35 million to support nonprofits, growing CFAAC’s operating endowment from $37,000 to $2.6 million, and building relationships that will continue to strengthen our community well into the future. None of this would have been possible without each and every one of you.
I’m proud of the relationships we’ve built and the lives we’ve touched. Over the past seven years, we’ve accomplished so much together. We strengthened our commitment to building a growing number of permanent endowment funds, with total endowed assets for grantmaking increasing from $2.7 million to $18.3 million. Our dedicated team of professionals has expanded from five to nine, reflecting a strategic investment in donor support, community partnerships, compelling storytelling, and a heightened focus on estate and legacy giving — all to deepen and sustain our impact. We also expanded and formalized our competitive grantmaking by launching new programs that support key initiatives through the Fund for Anne Arundel, the Women and Girls Fund, and the Environment Anne Arundel Fund.
We completed two successful five-year strategic plans and moved to a new professional office to give us greater visibility and credibility. Our enhanced educational programs continue to empower both nonprofits and donors, and we’ve published three Poverty Amidst Plenty Community Needs Assessment Reports to guide and align our work in addressing the county’s most pressing challenges. I remain committed to shepherding the newest report to publication and presentation this coming fall.
We responded with care and commitment during times of crisis. In the aftermath of the Capital Gazette shooting, we honored the victims’ legacy by managing funding, scholarships, and grantmaking efforts. During the pandemic, we activated our Community Crisis Response Fund to make rapid response grants to support our community and partnered with the County Executive’s office to distribute $2 million in CARES Act and ARP funding to nonprofits. Most recently, we supported local nonprofits as they established vital agency endowment funds through CFAAC.
This has been more than just a job to me — it has been a calling. Every day, I have been inspired by the generosity of our donors, the tireless dedication of our nonprofit partners, and the unwavering commitment of our board and staff to making real, positive change. I am beyond proud of what we have built together, and I have no doubt that CFAAC’s best days are still ahead.
As I turn my focus toward retirement, family, and new adventures, I do so with deep confidence that CFAAC is stronger than ever and well-positioned for the future. While I am stepping away from my professional role, my love for this community and this organization will never change. I will continue to support CFAAC as a proud donor and fund holder, knowing firsthand the impact this work makes. More than anything, I am looking forward to spending more time with my 12 incredible grandchildren, including five babies born in just this past year, and soaking up every moment with them!
To each of you who has been part of this journey — whether as a donor, nonprofit leader, volunteer, or friend — thank you. Your belief in our mission has fueled every milestone and made every success possible. I am endlessly grateful for your trust, your partnership, and your steadfast dedication to making Anne Arundel County a better place for every resident.
In the coming weeks, we will announce more details about the search for my successor. I have every confidence that the board will ensure a thoughtful and seamless transition, preparing CFAAC for continued success.
I look forward to staying connected and cheering on CFAAC’s continued impact.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Mary Spencer