For Immediate Release: 

Danista E. Hunte Named President, CEO of the Maryland Philanthropy Network
Youth Development, Education Leader to Guide Next Phase of Improving Lives of Marylanders

Washington, D.C., December 4, 2023 — Maryland Philanthropy Network (MPN), a statewide membership association that promotes philanthropy efforts in Maryland, has appointed Danista E. Hunte, MPH, CD (DONA), as its new President and CEO. Impact Search Advisors by Nonprofit HR, a leading executive search firm specializing in the social sector, partnered with MPN on the placement.

MPN has made significant improvements to the Maryland philanthropic community and, through its advocacy, has helped to secure millions of dollars in state funding for the nonprofit sector. The organization stands as a vanguard of innovative ideas and a trailblazer in its sector, drawing the attention of local, state, national and governmental bodies to secure funding for groundbreaking transformation. MPN champions public policy, systems change and partnerships vital to foster the sector and its members.

“Danista is a visionary leader with a proven track record of success in philanthropy,” said David Daniels, Chair of the Board of Directors. “We are excited to have Danista join MPN — a collegial environment where talent and culture are critical. We look forward to executing on her vision for furthering our mission’s growth, impact and reach. Her efforts will advance philanthropic innovation, build social engagement and generate much-needed social capital by challenging philanthropy to embrace grantmaking practices focused on instilling trust to increase positive outcomes for communities.”

“I am honored to join MPN as its next President and CEO,” said Danista Hunte. “MPN is vital to the Maryland philanthropy sector, and I am committed to working with the board, staff and members to advance MPN’s mission, address societal challenges and make a positive difference in the lives of Marylanders.”

MPN’s search for a President and CEO highlighted the need for a critical, inspiring, and visible leader who prioritizes ethics and embodies the organization’s core values.  With a deep understanding of the region’s funding landscape, she will build and activate a diverse, informed and effective network of philanthropists. She will convene the more than 110 members around crucial issues for shared learning, collaboration and policy engagement. Central to MPN’s mission — and her role — is personifying MPN’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices across the membership spectrum to deepen the organization’s impact in its communities. Additionally, she will oversee, develop and mobilize a team of 10. 

Hunte has 30 years of experience. She was the Executive Director of Child First Authority, a Baltimore-based nonprofit providing high quality afterschool and summer programming, coordination of supportive services for families, and facilitation of parent and community leadership development opportunities. Prior to that, Hunte served in senior leadership roles as Vice President of Community Investment at the Baltimore Community Foundation — where she managed a $2.0 million discretionary grantmaking budget and $600,000 departmental budget — and the Public Health Management Corporation.

Hunte holds a Master of Public Health in Public Health Policy and Administration from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She is a board member of Baltimore’s Promise, a collective impact initiative to improve the lives of young people in Baltimore City. She was honored with The Daily Record Maryland’s 2019 Most Admired CEOs award.

“Working with MPN to identify their next CEO during this critical transition was a fantastic partnership. The vision and commitment of the board and staff to build and sustain an equitable and just philanthropic community here in Maryland will flourish with Hunte at the helm.” said Jami Armstrong, Senior Consultant, Search at Impact Search Advisors by Nonprofit HR. 

Media Contacts

Reporters interested in speaking with MPN may contact Charlotte Haase, Communications and Data Manager, at chaase@marylandphilanthropy.org. 

Reporters interested in speaking to Nonprofit HR about this winning hire for media mention may contact Atokatha Ashmond Brew, Managing Director, Client Marketing & Strategic Communication, at abrew@nonprofithr.com. 

About Nonprofit HR 

Nonprofit HR is the country’s leading and oldest firm focused exclusively on the talent management needs of the social sector, including nonprofits, associations, social enterprises and other mission-driven organizations. We focus our consulting efforts on the following practice areas: Strategy & Advisory, HR Outsourcing, Total Rewards, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Justice and Search. Inc. 5000 listed Nonprofit HR as one of the nation’s fastest-growing growing firms. Since 2000, our staff of credentialed experts has advanced the impact of some of the world’s most influential brands in the sector. Learn more at www.nonprofithr.com.

About Maryland Philanthropy Network

Formerly known as the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers, Maryland Philanthropy Network was founded in 1983 to provide a forum in which philanthropic colleagues could address common problems and interests together. Their members steward $9 billion in charitable assets and distribute $1.1 billion to public charities annually, a significant majority of which is directed to benefit residents of Maryland. Today, they are a statewide membership association representing more than 110 private and community foundations, donor-advised funds, giving circles, and corporations with strategic grantmaking programs. Maryland Philanthropy Network acts as an intermediary by collaborating and aligning with and on behalf of members’ impactful work. They are a place where grantmakers at all levels network and learn to practice philanthropy in service of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. Learn more at https://www.marylandphilanthropy.org/.

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