9-25-2024 4:08am

COUNTY AWARDS

County Executive Olszewski Announces 2024 “Community Heroes” Awardees

Seven residents—one from each County Council district—honored for dedication to their communities

TOWSON, MD – Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today announced the 2024 awardees of Baltimore County’s Community Heroes Awards, recognizing seven individuals from across the County who have made significant and meaningful contributions to their communities.

“The dedicated community stakeholders who invest their time and energy to advocate for their neighborhoods and neighbors exemplify the leadership and passion that makes Baltimore County a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “We are proud to continue supporting, celebrating, and building this network of community heroes whose selfless work makes a difference in the lives of our residents every day.”

This year’s Community Heroes Awards recipients are:

District 1: John Jay Dillow, Southwest Visions Foundation
John Jay Dillow is a founding member and President of the Southwest Visions Foundation (SWVF), an organization working to improve the quality of life for residents in southwestern Baltimore County. The Southwest Vision Foundation and Baltimore County have worked together to expand their efforts in neighboring communities like Lansdowne, Riverview and the Baltimore Highlands in coordination with the State’s Department of Housing and Community Development. Dillow continues to be deeply invested in his community, as both an advocate for his neighborhood, and as a coach for the Arbutus Recreation & Parks program.

District 2: Deborah Patterson, Pikesville Township/Pikesville Communities Corporation
Deborah Patterson is a dedicated community advocate and current president of both the Pikesville Township Association and the Pikesville Communities Corporation. Her collaborative efforts with the Pikesville Art Gallery and Arts Festival have connected local students and artists with opportunities to display their work and build new connections. Patterson is passionate about keeping her community informed and currently coordinates the National Night Out in Pikesville.

District 3: Eric Rockel, Greater Timonium Community Council
Eric Rockel is the current vice president and zoning representative for the Greater Timonium Community Council, an umbrella group of community associations dedicated to improving the quality of life throughout the Timonium area. In addition, he has served as a past president for the Lutherville Community Association and has testified in front of countless government agencies to advocate for his community’s interests. Rockel continues to be a leading voice for District 3 as a guest speaker, columnist, and opinion writer.

District 4: Chrissy Thornton, Associated Black Charities
Chrissy Thornton is the president and CEO of Associated Black Charities, an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of countless residents throughout the Baltimore region. She has also served in leadership positions on the Board of Directors for ArtsCentric and as board chair of the Color of Crohn’s & Chronic Illness, where she spearheaded an initiative to promote diversity and address the disparities that our communities face. A dedicated advocate, she continues to use her platform to fight for social justice, equity, and community empowerment. The Daily Record named Thornton as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2023.

District 5: Pat Keller, Perry Hall Improvement Association
Pat Keller serves as president of the Perry Hall Improvement Association, where he uses his experience and expertise to advance community interests like the White Marsh Town Center Task Force and the Honeygo Regional Veterans Memorial. To ensure that our veterans receive recognition for their historic sacrifices, he has worked tirelessly to secure the majority of the funds needed for the memorial at no cost to the taxpayer. Keller takes pride in supporting his surrounding communities and continues to be a leader and a bold voice for neighbors in need.

District 6: Nancy Goldring, Northeast Towson Improvement Association
Nancy Goldring is president of the Northeast Towson Improvement Association and a fierce advocate for Historic East Towson, the oldest historically Black community in Baltimore County. Among the many initiatives she has led is the planned Road to Freedom Trail which will enable residents and visitors to connect with the culture and history of our region at locations such as the Hampton Historic Site. Goldring also serves as co-leader of the Baltimore County Lynching Memorial Project and as a board member of the Maryland Lynching Memorial Project.

District 7: Carlos Crespo, Crespo Productions/Nuestras Raices, Inc.
Carlos Crespo is the founder of Crespo Productions and co-founder of Nuestras Raices, Inc., a community organization dedicated to cultural preservation and support. He has spent the past 22 years empowering underserved and immigrant communities by distributing food boxes to the needy, providing vital assistance to neighbors during emergencies, and advocating for essential policies like DACA and the Dream Act. Crespo is an active volunteer whose efforts continue to strengthen our communities and celebrate cultural diversity.

The winners announced today will be recognized at Baltimore County’s Community Leaders Summit on September 26.

Learn more about the Baltimore County Community Heroes Awards here.

“Baltimore County is home to a diverse network strong communities driven by incredible individuals who generously give their time to support their neighbors," said Olszewski. "We are thrilled build on last year’s progress and encourage our residents to nominate their local heroes, recognizing those who tirelessly work to make Baltimore County a wonderful place to live, work, and raise our families."

Nominees must reside in Baltimore County. Current Baltimore County employees and elected officials are not eligible.

Examples of a community hero include, but are not limited to, an individual who:

Creates programs and initiatives in response to community needs;
Raises awareness about their community’s history or legacy;
Establishes and nurtures community relationships through neighborhood events, celebrations or fundraising;
Promotes and celebrates diversity in their community;
Advocates for their communities’ most vulnerable residents; or
Volunteers at local institutions – including schools – in need of assistance

All entries must be submitted online and include an up-to 350-word description of the nominee along with contact information. Nominations are open until June 30, 2024.