Celeste Amato Named President of
The Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers
For Immediate Release
October 19, 2012
Baltimore, MD - The Board of Directors of The Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers is pleased to announce the appointment of our new President, Celeste Amato.
Celeste comes to ABAG with an inspiring leadership background in public service. She has an eighteen year career in City government, most recently in entrepreneurial positions as architect of, and Media and Communications Director for, Baltimore City's Cleaner Greener Initiative and the City's conversion to single stream recycling and One PLUS ONE curbside waste collection.
"Along with the Search Committee and Board, I am so impressed by Celeste's proven ability to bring together partners from communities, philanthropy and government in pursuit of common goals for a better Baltimore" said Beth Harber, Chair of ABAG's Board of Directors. "I am delighted that Celeste has the perfect combination of experience, qualities and enthusiasm to lead ABAG into the future."
Celeste succeeds Betsy Nelson, President since 1990, who announced her retirement in April. "I am excited to pass the torch to Celeste and to support her leadership in the years to come" said Nelson.
"Philanthropy can make the critical difference in so many issues important to the future of our city, our region, our communities and our individual quality of life" says Amato. " I look forward to bringing fresh eyes and new energy to an extremely successful organization and will work to firmly establish the philanthropic community as an essential and highly valued partner in local and regional program and policy development, implementation and success."
Celeste Amato will begin her tenure at ABAG on December 3.
