FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mary Spencer,
President & CEO, CFAAC
mary@cfaac.org | 410.280.1102
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES JOHN RODENHAUSEN AS ITS NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO
(Annapolis, MD, September 29, 2025) The Board of Trustees of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) announced that John Rodenhausen, CAP®, will become its next President and CEO beginning on November 1, 2025. Current President and CEO Mary Spencer will retire from that role on October 31, 2025.
Rodenhausen joined CFAAC in early 2023 as Director of Gift Planning with over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. In this relatively short time, he was instrumental in helping the foundation substantially increase revenue and granting capacity through the establishment of 71 new funds and $18M in new planned gift commitments. Rodenhausen has served as a frequent spokesperson for CFAAC and partners with professional advisors, including members of the Anne Arundel Estate Planning Council (AAEPC), as they work with individual and family clients to achieve a lasting philanthropic legacy in the community through trusts, estate planning, and other deferred gifts. Rodenhausen will lead the strategic direction of CFAAC and its team of philanthropic advisors as they cultivate and steward relationships with current and prospective donors. This includes supporting the establishment of Donor Advised Funds, Endowment Funds, and Legacy Funds, and serving as an advisor on philanthropic estate planning and other planned giving vehicles to help them achieve their long-term charitable goals.
“I am so pleased that the CFAAC Board of Trustees has appointed John as the next leader of our amazing community foundation. John’s deep understanding of the needs of both our donors and the nonprofits they support will allow him to strengthen our work in the community in myriad ways. He knows this organization’s goals, strategic direction, and heartbeat,” said Spencer, current CFAAC President and CEO. “With his many years of experience in the nonprofit industry, John has dedicated himself to helping organizations expand their reach, increase their financial sustainability, and deepen their impact. His dedication to supporting the residents of Anne Arundel County, combined with the strong relationships he has built with donors and nonprofit leaders throughout the county, will be invaluable to our community and the support CFAAC is able to provide to our vital nonprofits. I have no doubt CFAAC will flourish under his leadership.”
Rodenhausen is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) through The American College of Financial Services. This designation allows him to bring his expertise to the table as he advises families with gift and legacy planning, while exploring tax-efficient strategies and advanced philanthropic tools. Rodenhausen will continue to work with clients to maximize the impact of their current and legacy charitable giving while ensuring alignment with their values.
“I am honored to accept this position and I am deeply grateful for the support of our Board and the leaders of CFAAC. Their vision has created an enduring tradition of philanthropy in our community,” said Rodenhausen. “In particular, Mary Spencer's remarkable leadership and dedication will leave an enduring impact on our Community Foundation and in our community for generations to come. I am thankful for her tireless commitment to the success of our organization. As the new President and CEO, I will build on this positive momentum and I want our message to be clear: We are better together and I look forward to working with the community to make Anne Arundel County a better place for all.”
Prior to joining CFAAC, Rodenhausen worked as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF) Maryland Director of Major Giving, where he managed a large and diverse portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation prospects and donors, and served as a facilitator of CBF's major gift team strategy. Throughout the 12 years he held the position, he successfully raised millions of dollars through donations, grants, and planned gifts in support of CBF’s operating budget and three major capital campaigns. John’s work at CBF began as an environmental educator, teacher trainer, and restoration coordinator, which then led him to a career in fundraising.
Rodenhausen is an active member of Annapolis Fundraising Professionals, Maryland Philanthropy Network and a graduate of Leadership Maryland. He has served as a board member for Maryland Coastal Conservation Association, Unity Gardens in Annapolis, and the Green School of Baltimore. Rodenhausen received his BA in Communications from the Pennsylvania State University. He is a USCG-licensed captain of 35 years and has been an active member in the Anne Arundel County community since 1993.
ABOUT CFAAC:
The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3), publicly supported philanthropic organization with the long-term goal of building permanent funds that provide support to local nonprofit organizations through grants and special projects. Our mission is to inspire and promote giving in Anne Arundel County by connecting people who care with causes that matter. Established in 1998, CFAAC is one of the largest funders of nonprofit organizations in Anne Arundel County. CFAAC distributes $5 to $7 million annually.
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