After an extensive search, NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore has selected Kerry Graves as the organization’s new executive director, effective Nov. 15, 2018.

As executive director, Graves will apply her 10 years of experience working in the non-profit sector to providing direction and leadership for the mission and vision of NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore, Graves will serve as the chief liaison with government officials, media, community organizations, and key constituency groups.

Graves currently serves as the vice president for development for the DC/MD/VA chapter of the ALS Association. In this capacity, she has been responsible for a revenue budget in excess of $2 million and spearheaded fundraising efforts for the organization.

“Given Kerry’s experience working for organizations with a focus on health advocacy, she is uniquely qualified to continue to foster NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore’s reputation as a leading agency in the Baltimore area for outreach and community service,” said Lawrence S. Conn, president of the board of directors. “There’s never been a greater need for our services than now, and Kerry’s strategic fundraising experience will be critical in taking NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore to the next level.”

Graves is succeeding outgoing executive director Sherry Welch, who joined NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore in 2014. During her tenure, Welch doubled the number of people served by the organization and quadrupled the number of volunteers.  Welch also oversaw a geographic expansion of services and was instrumental in both stabilizing the organization’s finances and advancing the board of directors.

“Sherry put her heart and soul into NAMI, and the organization has seen significant growth as a result of that,” said Conn. “Her efforts have led us on a path that has set up NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore and Kerry for continued success.”

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