DBFA Expands Advocacy Efforts Under New Leadership

(Baltimore, MD) – The Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance, Baltimore’s largest family membership-based non-profit, has named Elizabeth Degi Mount as its new Executive Director. Under Mount’s leadership, DBFA is expanding the focus of its advocacy mission to press for access to quality public resources for families throughout the city. The expansion in advocacy efforts builds on DBFA's eight-year track record of success working to improve educational opportunities, community cohesion, and public safety in South Baltimore.

Mount, who was selected after a two-month search, was tapped for her extensive experience working to address issues of systemic gender and racial violence, as well as her passion for city living. She will oversee the major expansion effort designed to increase the organization’s visibility and reach in the communities DBFA serves.

“We are very excited to have someone with Elizabeth’s experience, vision and passion on board as our new Executive Director,” said DBFA President Allison Pendell Jones, who led the search committee.  “We think she is the perfect person to lead us in this new direction.”

Mount previously served as Executive Director at the Center for the Study of Gender and Conflict at the George Mason University School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution. In addition to her research and advocacy efforts as part of the center, she has served as a consultant to non-profit organizations, NGO’s, and government agencies on a range of issues, including gender-based and community violence, gender equity, and women’s empowerment initiatives. This past spring, Mount, her husband, and young son moved into a Ridgely’s Delight row home the family has been renovating since late 2014.

"I am thrilled to bejoining DBFA in their vital work of improving opportunities for families to thrive in Baltimore,” said Mount. “I am humbled to have the privilege to advocate for great schools, access to vibrant cultural experiences,and safe neighborhoods in the midst of the progressive changes taking place in the city."

As part of their expanded advocacy efforts and leadership transition, DBFA will under go a major rebranding campaign, scheduled to launch in the fall.

“So much has changed since we started in 2008, both forus and the city,” said Pendell Jones.

“This rebranding effort reflects ourgrowth, and we look forward to rolling it out.”

For additional information about this release, please contact Patrick Gutierrezat 443-629-0196 or via email at [email protected].

AboutDBFA

The Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance works to empower families and connect communities through out the city.

DBFA was established in 2008 in an effort to organize local parents who had made the choice to raise their families in downtown Baltimore and its surrounding neighborhoods.

The organization advocates for excellent public educational resources, out-of-school care options, public safety, and access to cultural experiences available in downtown Baltimore.

Through community out reach and engagement, DBFA reaches more than 10,000 local parents on a regular basis.

DBFA is the largest membership-based family organization in Baltimore and is one of the largest and fastest-growing family advocacy groups in Maryland.