Kevin Seawright courtesy photo

The Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL) has announced the appointment of Kevin Seawright as Chair of its Board of Directors, marking a new chapter of leadership for the organization as it strengthens governance and expands service across Greater Baltimore and the State of Maryland.

Seawright’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for GBUL following a period of organizational transition and renewal. A respected executive with more than two decades of experience in affordable housing, urban economic development, public finance, and community-centered leadership, Seawright brings deep financial expertise and nonprofit leadership to the role.

“It is a profound honor to serve as Board Chair at such a pivotal moment for the Greater Baltimore Urban League,” Seawright said. “GBUL has an important legacy—and an even more urgent responsibility—to advance equity, opportunity, and justice across our communities.”

Strengthened Leadership and Organizational Renewal

GBUL Interim CEO Tershea Rice said the leadership transition reflects a renewed chapter for the organization and its mission.

“The Greater Baltimore Urban League is entering a renewed chapter of service,” Rice said. “With dedicated board leadership in place, we are ready to build on our momentum and continue advancing economic mobility for the communities we serve.”

As part of this renewed focus, GBUL has also been restored to full compliance and good standing with the National Urban League, signaling strengthened governance and alignment with the standards of the national organization.

National Urban League Support

National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial welcomed Seawright’s appointment and expressed confidence in the organization’s direction.

“The National Urban League is proud to welcome Kevin Seawright as the new Board Chair of the Greater Baltimore Urban League,” Morial said. “With more than two decades of experience in affordable housing, urban economic development, and community-centered financial leadership, Kevin brings the strategic insight and steadfast commitment needed to guide the GBUL into its next chapter.”

Morial added that Seawright’s work reflects the core values of the Urban League movement.

“As the GBUL moves forward under this renewed leadership, we are confident that the organization will continue to expand its impact and deepen its service to the Baltimore community,” he said.

Recognizing Outgoing Leadership

GBUL also recognized the service of outgoing Board Chair Ricky Smith, whose leadership helped guide the organization through a challenging period.

“Serving as Chair of the Greater Baltimore Urban League Board was one of the hallmarks of my public service career,” Smith said. “The Board and the office team worked through many challenges to provide exemplary service to the Baltimore community.”

“I’m extremely confident in and excited for the future of GBUL,” Smith added, applauding the Board’s selection of a new chair.

Looking Ahead

With renewed leadership and strengthened governance, GBUL is positioned to expand its workforce development, entrepreneurship, and advocacy efforts while continuing to build partnerships across the public, private, and philanthropic sectors.

“This moment reflects the culmination of months of hard, necessary work to realign GBUL with the highest standards of the Urban League movement,” Seawright said. “We are moving forward with clarity, unity, and purpose.”

About the Greater Baltimore Urban League

The Greater Baltimore Urban League works to empower historically under-resourced communities to achieve economic self-reliance, parity, power, and civil rights. Through programs in entrepreneurship, education, workforce development, youth leadership, and advocacy, GBUL advances equity and opportunity across Greater Baltimore and the State of Maryland.

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