In 1990, Baltimore, like older cities, was going through a difficult time as Federal grant money for neighborhoods and commercial districts had just about disappeared. The City was losing thousands of residents a month. It was then that a group of business leaders with the urging of City Councilman Tony Ambridge and Governor Schaeffer decided the City needed “a cheerleader” for the small and medium sized business community. The logical choice was to activate the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce.
In spite of being told Baltimore would not support another business group, we went forward. Two business leaders who were instrumental in forming the working group and bringing the chamber to fruition were Fletcher Hall, Executive Vice President Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors and Edwin Warfield, Publisher of the Daily Record. In 1991, the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce were up and running and 21 years later we are still in the business of assisting business owners in achieving greater success.
Written By Sonny Morstein
A short biography of the employee and why their background should inspire potential clients' confidence.
A short biography of the employee and why their background should inspire potential clients' confidence.
A short biography of the employee and why their background should inspire potential clients' confidence.
A short biography of the employee and why their background should inspire potential clients' confidence.
A short biography of the employee and why their background should inspire potential clients' confidence.
The Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce is launching a new volunteer leadership initiative designed to elevate the voices, talents, and expertise of our members. The Director Accelerator is a year-long leadership cohort for members who want to help drive the Chamber’s growth, strengthen our programs, and make a lasting impact on Baltimore’s business community.
This isn’t “volunteering.”
This is leadership in action — an opportunity to step into influence, steward meaningful work, and leave your mark on one of the most important business networks in the city.
The Director Accelerator is a select group of members who serve in Director-level roles that support the Chamber’s core areas:
Marketing & Communications
Membership & Engagement
Operations
Partnerships & Sponsorships
Members accepted into the program work closely with the Executive Director to shape initiatives, strengthen the Chamber’s reach, and help provide resources and experiences that uplift Baltimore’s business community.
This program brings together leaders who want to grow, collaborate, and contribute their gifts to something bigger than themselves.
This program is ideal for members who:
Want to deepen their leadership skills and expand their professional influence
Want to be part of building the next era of the Baltimore City Chamber
Enjoy serving, collaborating, and problem-solving
Are looking for hands-on experience in marketing, operations, community engagement, or partnerships
Desire to make a meaningful contribution to Baltimore’s business ecosystem
Are available for a modest monthly commitment (approx. 4–6 hours)
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or a rising professional — if you have gifts you’re ready to use, this is the place to bring them.
Leaders selected for the cohort receive:
Director-Level Leadership Experience: Real responsibility, influence, and résumé-level achievements.
Increased Visibility: Featured on the Chamber website, social platforms, and at major events.
Expanded Network: Closer proximity to business leaders, partners, sponsors, and city stakeholders.
Professional Development: Monthly leadership training, hands-on skill-building, and collaborative projects.
Legacy Impact: A chance to shape programs, events, and initiatives that will serve Baltimore for years to come.
You don’t just help the Chamber.
You grow as a leader — and your business or career grows with you.
The Director Accelerator is a structured, 12-month volunteer leadership program that runs from February 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026.
Here’s how it works:
Submit your application, share your vision, and tell us which Director role you’re interested in.
Selected members will be notified in late January and receive a Leadership Welcome Packet.
The cohort officially launches with a virtual orientation and introductions.
Each Director will meet monthly with the Executive Director for planning, collaboration, and leadership development.
Throughout the year, Directors will support events, initiatives, and strategies aligned with their role.
The commitment is manageable — about 4–6 hours per month — but the impact is significant.
The Director of Marketing & Communications shapes the public voice of the Chamber and ensures our message reaches, inspires, and engages the Baltimore business community. This leader oversees the storytelling, branding, and promotional efforts that drive visibility, membership growth, and event participation.
Develop and guide the Chamber’s marketing strategy across digital, print, and community channels
Oversee email communications, newsletters, and public announcements
Provide strategic direction for content and social media engagement (execution may be delegated)
Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all Chamber platforms
Promote events, initiatives, community highlights, and partnership opportunities
Collaborate with the Director of Membership to support new member enrollment campaigns
Share insights on how the Chamber can expand awareness and reach in the business community
You’re creative, strategic, and understand the power of storytelling. You enjoy content, branding, and communications, and you’re excited to build visibility for an organization with a big mission.
The Director of Membership & Engagement champions the heart of the Chamber — our members. This leader nurtures community connection, strengthens relationships, and builds an experience that makes every member feel seen, supported, and valued.
Manage new member onboarding and welcome pathways
Support membership growth initiatives and engagement campaigns
Build relationships with members and gather ongoing feedback
Lead member appreciation efforts and community-building initiatives
Recommend strategies to improve retention, satisfaction, and participation
Track and report membership metrics and trends
Host optional monthly New Member Welcome Calls or member spotlights
You’re warm, personable, and passionate about building relationships. You love welcoming people into a community and helping them feel connected and empowered.
The Director of Operations helps ensure the Chamber runs smoothly behind the scenes. This leader champions logistics, systems, and event execution — ensuring that every initiative is organized, efficient, and aligned with the Chamber’s mission.
Streamline and manage internal systems, workflows, and administrative processes
Maintain organized digital infrastructure (files, databases, CRM tools, shared documents)
Coordinate cross-department communication and track progress on key initiatives
Support the Executive Director with operational planning and project management
Recommend and implement tools or systems that improve efficiency and organization
Monitor internal procedures and identify opportunities to strengthen overall operations
You’re detail-oriented, organized, and love creating structure. You thrive in environments where multiple moving pieces come together and enjoy bringing order and excellence to events and operations.
The Director of Partnerships & Sponsorships is the Chamber’s connector — building meaningful relationships with companies, organizations, and leaders who want to collaborate with the Chamber. This leader helps secure partnerships, sponsorships, and long-term alliances that accelerate the Chamber’s impact.
Identify, cultivate, and communicate with potential sponsors and partners
Support the development of sponsorship decks, partnership proposals, and follow-up materials
Help maintain relationships with current partners and sponsors
Recommend new partnership opportunities that align with the Chamber’s mission and programs
Introduce the Chamber to organizations, institutions, and leaders who would add value to the membership community
Coordinate with Marketing and Operations to ensure sponsor deliverables are met at events
You’re a natural networker who loves building relationships. You’re comfortable engaging with business owners, executives, and decision-makers, and you enjoy creating mutually beneficial partnerships.