Leadership Montgomery Names C. Marie Taylor as President and CEO

The Board of Directors of Leadership Montgomery has announced that C. Marie Taylor has accepted the position of President and Chief Executive Officer effective September 21.

Marie’s Taylor’s appointment follows an exhaustive national search. She succeeds Esther Newman, founder and CEO, who announced her retirement in January after 26 years of service.

“Marie has the skills, vision, passion and commitment to take Leadership Montgomery into the future,” said Board Chair Debbi Jarvis in a statement released from the organization. “Her appointment marks an important transition for our organization and an exciting opportunity to build our path forward. The Board would also like to thank and recognize Esther for her visionary leadership of the organization and wish her the best in her retirement.”

Marie brings more than 15 years of non-profit management within the Washington, DC metro-area. A 2012 graduate of Leadership Montgomery, she is known throughout the County as a passionate leader committed to making an impact on our local community and its residents. Most recently, she was Executive Director of The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region in Montgomery County. In this capacity, Taylor served as a spokesperson for the affiliate office and worked to create a philanthropic experience for donors that encouraged continued participation and giving. She also worked closely with an advisory board of local community business people, leaders and volunteers to promote local philanthropy in Montgomery County and throughout the region. While at the Foundation, Marie successfully launched a new donor engagement series and was instrumental in the funding and production of a forthcoming study on Montgomery County Youth. Prior to joining the Community Foundation, she was Executive Director of Interfaith Works, a local nonprofit providing housing and support services to more than 21,000 individuals each year. She began her career at Food & Friends in Washington, D.C. where she spent 13 years and held many positions of increasing responsibility.

“During my time in Leadership Montgomery, I learned not only the value of the core program experience, but the vital role that the organization and our membership play in Montgomery County, said Taylor. “As President and CEO, I am eager to build upon our strong foundation and create new and meaningful ways for us to be a positive force in the County and the region.”

Marie earned both her MBA and bachelor’s degree from Trinity University in Washington, D.C. She was awarded an honorary degree in Public Service by Montgomery College in 2015 and was recognized by the Washington DC Metro Area Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals with their Outstanding Diversity Leader Award in 2012. She currently is a member of the Nonprofit Montgomery Steering Committee and a Board Member of the Workforce Investment Board.

About Staff Writer

View all posts by Staff Writer