Our work began early this year - not with candidates, but with ABC. The Board and staff spent time identifying the priorities, opportunities and challenges facing our association and considering the kind of leadership ABC will need for the years ahead. From that work, we established a formal CEO profile and a comprehensive search and evaluation process.

The response was significant. More than 125 people applied for the position. With assistance from ABC National, the field was carefully screened and narrowed through multiple rounds of interviews, assessments and conversations. Ultimately, four candidates participated in extensive in-person interviews, and two exceptional finalists emerged.

From the beginning, we were committed to conducting a genuine and competitive search. Internal and external candidates were evaluated against the same criteria and participated in the same interview and assessment process. Collectively, the Search Committee devoted more than 60 hours to screening, interviews, assessment review and deliberation alone. We also intentionally created opportunities for Board members, staff and members to interact with our finalists beyond the interview room.

After that process, the Search Committee unanimously recommended Chris Hadfield to the Board of Directors, and the Board voted to select him as ABC Greater Baltimore’s next President & CEO.

Why Chris?

Many of you already know him - but our decision was based on much more than familiarity.

Chris brings a demonstrated record of building programs, partnerships and relationships that create real value for ABC members, backed by 15 years of experience with ABC Greater Baltimore. He has been instrumental in building the workforce development operation we know today, developed important relationships with industry and government partners, and understands both the mission we are here to serve and the challenges facing our members.

Throughout the search process, his passion for ABC’s mission stood out. Just as importantly, he demonstrated that he is thinking beyond where ABC is today. He came to the process prepared with ideas for our staff, advocacy efforts, member value and future growth - and with the self-awareness to identify areas in which he will continue developing as he assumes this new role.

Ultimately, we believe Chris offers something particularly meaningful at this moment in ABC Greater Baltimore’s history: a deep respect for what has been built, paired with a clear desire to keep building.

This is not simply about continuing what ABC has always done. It is about carrying forward the relationships, culture and mission that make this organization special while continuing to evolve with the needs of our members and our industry - strengthening the ways ABC helps members Connect, Compete and Protect their businesses.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to this process and to our fellow Board members for the time, thought and care they invested in this decision.

Most of all, we are excited about what comes next for ABC Greater Baltimore, and for all of us who call this association ours.

Click here to learn more about Chris and the experience, leadership and vision he brings to ABC Greater Baltimore.

We look forward to celebrating this next chapter with you.

Frank Murphy
Chair, ABC Greater Baltimore Board of Directors

John Diehl
Vice Chair, ABC Greater Baltimore Board of Directors