Shelonda Stokes Vice President Downtown Partnership
Mary Pat Seurkamp
Secretary
Anthony Moag Treasurer Whiting-Turner
Julie Mercer Board Member Emerita
Redonda Miller The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Patricia J. (PJ) Mitchell President Emerita Asma Naeem Baltimore Museum of Art
Ronald R. Peterson Immediate Past President
Joey Price Jumpstart HR
Henry A. Rosenberg Jr. Board Member Emeritus Rosemore, Inc.
Shanaysha Sauls Baltimore Community Foundation
Terrence Sawyer Loyola University
Lynn Selby
FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
As we begin 2025, I want to reflect on the fantastic holiday season we shared. Our events were filled with joy, from the delightful addition of Elsa, Olaf and Buddy the Elf at our holiday brunches to the laughter and happiness of children throughout the Club.
share with the staff—Nicholas, Chef Bannan (the food and menu was spectacular!!!!), Taylor for the wine pairings, Patrick, and of course Reza.”
Gregory Tucker The Tucker Group
Stacey Ullrich BGE
Lori Villegas Morgan Stanley
Mark Weigman T. Rowe Price Associates
Charles Young Young’s Accounting Service
Members are already embracing our new spaces, with the Coffee Shoppe buzzing beginning at 7 AM Tuesday through Friday. Wine Locker holders enjoyed a special wine tasting as they selected their lockers, and the newly launched Chef’s Table has been a hit. One standout experience was Ben Renko’s birthday dinner, a gift from his wife. Mr. Renko shared these heartfelt words:
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your General Manager, together with my family, I thank you all.
“I want to extend my most profound appreciation to all those who made my birthday dinner last night so special. The Center Club is my favorite place in the city for a reason, and it did not disappoint last night. Please
We’re thrilled Mr. Renko and others have enjoyed this new amenity. If you are interested in reserving the Chef’s Table, email Ashley at amurphy@centerclub. org.
As we wrap up a very successful renewal season, I want to thank you for your continued support and commitment to the Club. We look forward to an extraordinary 2025, full of new offerings and opportunities to enhance your experience.
On a personal note, as a reminder, my retirement will take effect on January 31, 2025. Nicholas Steege, our current Assistant General Manager, will serve as Acting General Manager beginning February 1. The Board of Governors has formed a search committee and engaged a firm to identify our next General Manager.
Kevin Bonner
General Manager, Since 2013
Thank You!
The Center Club team wishes to thank all of you for your generosity in contributing to the Holiday Fund and for your continued membership.
A Reaffirmation
The Center Club’s Founding Values and Goals
Mission
The Center Club creates a dynamic, inclusive environment that serves a diverse membership of business and community leaders as Baltimore’s premier venue for dining, business, social and family activities. The sophisticated and congenial private club atmosphere cultivates member engagement through vibrant professional, cultural and community programs.
Vision
The Center Club is the crossroads where a tradition of inclusion, unsurpassed service excellence and a workplace culture that attracts and retains talented staff members supports the changemakers of today and tomorrow in building powerful relationships. Center Club members engage in robust business, cultural and social interactions and contribute to the positive transformation of the Baltimore community and beyond.
Values
Inclusivity
The Center Club is a welcoming community where changemakers from diverse backgrounds can form powerful, intergenerational relationships grounded in reciprocity and mutual respect.
Engagement
The Center Club is rooted in Baltimore, building connectivity among its members and employees and reaching outward to support an ever-stronger local community and beyond.
Innovation
The Center Club is a dynamic environment and workplace that prizes creative thinking and empowers new perspectives, ideas and approaches.
Excellence
The Center Club sets the bar providing an exceptional service environment that values the needs and contributions of both members and employees.
On Wednesday, October 16, we celebrated and honored five Trailblazers for their role in building pathways for women in STEM.
Membership Cards
Membership cards provide quick access to the garage and elevator bank in the building. Should you forget your card, please enter through the Charles Street garage entrance and security will assist you. You will need to provide a valid physical photo ID.
Lost Cards
New membership cards are requested once a month from the building’s security office. This includes cards for new members and lost cards. If you lose your membership card, please contact Emily Ober at eober@centerclub.org. There will be a $15 charge for all replacement cards. Membership cards are for members and their spouses/partners only.
Club Rewards: Loyalty Redefined
The Club is thrilled to welcome our new Beverage Manager, Taylor Henderson With impressive credentials toward her Sommelier Certification, we look forward to the incredible lineup of wine and cocktail experiences for 2025!
Next time you’re at the Club, be sure to say hello and give her a warm welcome!
The Coffee Shoppe
EVENT Calendar
Bar100 Happy Hour
4-6 PM
Tuesday - Friday
50% Off All Drinks
DAILY SPECIALS!
Join us for an unforgettable dining experience in our Joseph Meyerhoff dining room and enjoy Chef Bannan’s daily specials.
Tuesday
2 lb. Lobster Night / $49++
Wednesday
Burger & Brew in Bar100 / $20++
Thursday
Half-Price Bottles of Wine
Saturday
Prime Rib Roast / $49++ & Live Piano Make A
RAVENS TAILGATE
Sunday, January 5
Buffet opens at TBA Game TBA
$55++
// January & February
Members have come to appreciate EF2 as a trusted group of advisors. To ensure the sharing of information, it is limited to non-competitors.
BOOK CLUB
James by Percival Everett
Wednesday, January 8
6-7:30 PM
$45++
Bring out your purple spirit to cheer on the Ravens against the Cleveland Browns. Enjoy your Center Club tailgate favorites and complimentary parking under the building before heading over to the stadium.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Cocktails and Conversations
Tuesday, January 7
5-7:30 PM
$50++ / Non-WIB members $60++
Women in Business members are welcome to network with their business-minded women peers during a cocktail hour at the Club. Members of the Women in Business IntraClub are invited to keep the conversation going during dinner.
EXECUTIVE FORUM 2
Wednesday, January 8
5-6:30 PM
$30++
This group of senior-level executives, business owners and rainmakers discuss the challenges and opportunities in today’s world. The topics vary monthly from internal discussions to guest speakers.
Enjoy an evening discussing our newest book, James, by Percival Everett. The novel is a re-imagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain but told from the perspective of Huckleberry’s friend on his travels, Jim, who is an escaped slave. Join us for this interesting discussion and enjoy a special pairing menu prepared by Executive Chef Bannan.
PROSPECTIVE MEMBER OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, January 14
5:30–7 PM
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and soft drinks
Referrals from members are the best way to grow our membership. Invite a friend, family member or colleague to learn about the benefits of joining the only 5-star Platinum City Club in Baltimore City and a Top 100 City Club in the world!
EXECUTIVE FORUM
Thursday, January 16
4:30-6 PM
$30++
DON’T FORGET about
Interested in joining an IntraClub or Interest Group? Contact Emily Ober at eober@centerclub.org
your complimentary birthday entrée good the month of or the month after.
A group of CEOs, presidents and executive directors in B2B businesses discussing the challenges and opportunities of running an organization. Members have come to appreciate EF as a trusted group of advisors. To ensure the sharing of information, it is limited to noncompetitors.
OYSTER ROAST
Thursday, January 16
Seatings begin at 5 PM
$95++
Join us for our annual Oyster Roast, where you can savor fresh oysters in various ways, ie: raw, Rockefeller, etc. Enjoy an evening of great food, drinks and lively conversation in a relaxed setting. Don’t miss this chance to indulge in a coastal tradition while making lasting memories with friends and fellow members!
For parties more than 4, please contact Tyese at tknight@ centerclub.org.
*Please note: Members will be sharing tables to accommodate as many members as possible.
AFTERNOON TEA
Saturday, January 18
1-3 PM
$45++ or $15++ for children under 10
You are cordially invited to family tea in the British traditional style. Treat yourself to a variety of tea, scones, pastries, tea sandwiches, champagne and mimosas.
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION
Tuesday, January 21
5:30–7 PM
All new members and their spouses/partners are invited to join Noreen Frenaye, Director of Membership & Marketing, for a review of the Club’s benefits while getting acquainted with fellow new members. Stay for dinner or small plates in Bar100.
VIEWPOINTS
Organizing for Life’s Transitions
Tuesday, January 21
5:30-7:30 PM
$50++ / Non-Club members
$60++
Join Viewpoints for a moderated conversation with Tara Donohue Rudo, professional organizer, coach and founder of “No More Piles” as we explore best practices to organize, release or re-home all the things that you’ve acquired that can no longer comfortably continue on your life’s journey.
OPERA BALTIMORE: UP CLOSE
Wednesday, January 22
6-6:45 reception, 6:45-7:15 opera performance 7:15-8:30 dinner / $125++
Two of Opera Baltimore’s principal singers accompanied by the company’s pianist will perform a variety of opera highlights and artist favorites. The artists will talk a bit about the songs they sing and the stories those songs tell.
*Please note: Members will be sharing tables to accommodate as many members as possible.
EVENT Calendar
WINE CLUB
Annual Meeting
Friday, January 24
6-7:30 PM
$50++ / Non-Wine Club members $60++
Club. Members of the Women in Business IntraClub are invited to keep the conversation going during dinner.
January is our Annual Meeting and a month for kicking back and relaxing, and no other wine in the world is better for a good informal lay-back than Beaujolais. This is the perfect wine for chilling in a café, enjoying with simple comfort food or sharing in front of a fire. Al and Howard will explain the hierarchy of Beaujolais wines and let you know why it is so unique and loved.
Escape the chill and warm up with a cozy cocktail experience! Join us for an evening dedicated to soul-soothing sips, featuring classic mulled glögg, hot toddies and a variety of other comforting winter drinks. Expect delicious aromas of spices, citrus and rich flavors, all crafted to warm you from the inside out. Perfect for a chilly night, come for the drinks, stay for the cozy ambiance and delightful company!
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Cocktails and Conversations
Tuesday, February 4
5-7:30 PM
$55++ / Non-WIB members $65++
Women in Business members are welcome to network with their business-minded women peers during a cocktail hour at the
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: DIVINE NINE HAPPY HOUR
Wednesday, February 5
5-7 PM
$50++ Includes beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres / Cocktails by chit
For Black History Month, join us as we celebrate the Divine Nine brotherhood/sisterhood at a special happy hour. Mingle with Divine Nine members and help us celebrate the special bonds that these chapters have.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING
with Councilwoman Porter
Thursday, February 6
5:30-7:30 PM
$40++ / Non-Center Club members $50++
Building Stronger Communities: The Role of Local Government and Business Leaders in Social Development
Councilwoman Porter examines how effective partnerships between local governments and community leaders can enhance social well-being. It looks at initiatives that address issues such as education, healthcare and community services and discusses how collaboration can lead to more impactful and inclusive solutions. The focus is on creating synergies that benefit all community members and foster a stronger, more cohesive society.
MURDER MYSTERY DINNER
Tuesday, February 11
5:30-7 PM
$75++ includes food stations / Drinks by chit
The rustle of silks and feathers under muted conversation was probably the last thing heard by the tragically and unexpectedly deceased at the Billionaires’ Club Annual Masquerade Ball. With a mystery under each feathery façade, unmasking the killer may be quite a challenge. It’s up to you to determine which party goer is guilty, bring this crime to justice and save the party!
PROSPECTIVE MEMBER OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, February 12
5:30-7 PM
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and soft drinks
Referrals from members are the best way to grow our membership. Invite a friend, family member or colleague to learn about the benefits of joining the only 5-star Platinum City Club in Baltimore City and a Top 100 City Club in the world! .
EXECUTIVE FORUM 2
Wednesday, February 12
5-6:30 PM
$30++
This group of senior-level executives, business owners and rainmakers discuss the challenges and opportunities in today’s world. The topics vary monthly from internal discussions to guest speakers. Members have come to appreciate EF2 as a trusted group of advisors. To ensure the sharing of information, it is limited to noncompetitors.
VIEWPOINTS: GALENTINE’S DINNER
Thursday, February 13 5-7:30 PM
$55++ / Non-Club members
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION
Tuesday, February 18 11:45 AM–1 PM
$65++ Includes food stations / Drinks by chit
Viewpoints at The Center Club invites the ladies to a Galentine’s Celebration! Invite your mother, sisters, daughters and other important women in your life to celebrate the special relationships you share.
VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION
Friday, February 14
5-9 PM
Enjoy the beautiful view over a romantic Center Club dinner with our special à la carte menu and Valentine’s Day specials. Make your reservations soon as this evening will sell out! Secure your dinner reservation online through the member portal or call 410727-7788.
All new members and their spouses/partners are invited to join Noreen Frenaye, Director of Membership & Marketing, for a review of the Club’s benefits while getting acquainted with fellow new members over lunch.
EXECUTIVE FORUM
Thursday, February 20
4:30-6 PM
$30++
A group of CEOs, presidents and executive directors in B2B businesses discussing the challenges and opportunities of running an organization. Members have come to appreciate EF as a trusted group of advisors. To ensure the sharing of information, it is limited to non-competitors.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: THE FUTURE OF THE DIVINE NINE
Continuing Legacy and Evolving Impact
Tuesday, February 25
5:30-7 PM
$50++ Includes beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres / Cocktails by chit
Join us for an engaging
Divine Nine, focusing on how these historic Black Greek-Letter Organizations are adapting to the 21st century. This event will delve into strategies for maintaining relevance among younger generations, embracing technological and digital innovations and addressing contemporary social justice challenges. We’ll also discuss the role of intersectionality in expanding community service models and tackling ongoing social and economic inequities. Celebrate their legacy and explore their evolving impact in today’s world.
COCKTAIL CLUB
Save the Date
Wednesday, February 26
6-7:30 PM
More Details to Come
WINE CLUB
Shellfish Pairings
Friday, February 28
6-7:30 PM
$50++/ Non-Wine Club members $60++
Marylanders know their oysters... but as long as we’ve been slurping them down we have yet to agree on what wine goes best with them. Join us as we continue the debate: is it Chablis or Muscadet; Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris: bone dry Champagne or sweet Sauternes? Come along and add your two cents to the discussion as we try a variety of wines designed for shellfish pairing.
What is The Divine Nine
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The Divine Nine: A Legacy of Leadership, Service and Brotherhood/Sisterhood
In American history, few institutions have wielded as much influence and created as profound an impact as the Divine Nine. These nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations have shaped generations of leaders, fostered academic excellence and stood at the forefront of social justice movements for over a century.
Origins and Historical Context
B orn in an era of racial segregation and systemic discrimination, the Divine Nine emerged as bastions of hope and empowerment on American college campuses. When Black students were deliberately excluded from white Greek organizations, they created their own spaces of brotherhood and sisterhood that would transcend campus boundaries and evolve into powerful networks of Black excellence and achievement. The formation of these
organizations, beginning with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in 1906 at Cornell University, represented more than just social clubs – they were incubators for Black leadership during some of America’s most challenging periods. These organizations provided crucial support systems during the Jim Crow era, played pivotal roles in the Civil Rights Movement and continue to shape social justice initiatives today.
Collective Impact and Achievement
Together, the Divine Nine has created an unparalleled legacy of service and leadership. Their combined membership has contributed millions of dollars to scholarships, countless hours of community service and pioneering initiatives in education, health awareness and economic empowerment within Black communities and beyond. The Divine Nine has transcended into global impact organizations with many chapters in many countries around the world with an influence that has extended far beyond American culture, establishing a global presence that supports, fosters and initiates change in communities worldwide. Through their international chapters, they continue to champion education, social justice and cultural unity on a global scale. Their influence extends from local grassroots programs to national policy-making, with members serving in the highest levels of government, business and academia.
The Divine Nine: Organizations
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (1906) Founded at Cornell University, Alpha Phi Alpha set the foundation for Black Greek letter organizations. Notable members include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Governor Wes Moore and Olympic legend Jesse Owens. The fraternity’s “Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College” campaign has encouraged academic excellence for over a century.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (1908) Founded at Howard University, AKA was the first Black Greek-letter organization created by and for Black college women. Notable members include Vice President Kamala Harris, author Toni Morrison and Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. The sorority has distinguished itself through programs like HBCU for Life.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (1911) Established at Indiana University Bloomington, the fraternity’s fundamental purpose is achievement. Their Guide Right program has mentored countless youth. Notable members include Arthur Ashe and Colin Kaepernick, who have broken barriers in sports and activism.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (1911) Founded at Howard University, Omega Psi Phi’s cardinal principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift have guided members. Notable members include Langston Hughes and William Basie, who achieved remarkable achievements in arts and entertainment.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (1913) Founded at Howard University, the Deltas are known for bold activism since their inception. Their first public act was participating in the Women’s Suffrage March. Notable national programs include the National Library Project, Employment Counseling and the Forward Thrust program. Notable members include Dorothy Height and Shirley Chisholm.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (1914) Founded at Howard University, Phi Beta Sigma embraces the inclusive motto “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity.” The fraternity is committed to returning acquired skills to their communities. Notable members include John Lewis and James Weldon Johnson.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (1920) Founded at Howard University, Zeta Phi Beta is the only Divine Nine organization constitutionally bound to a fraternity (Phi Beta Sigma). For 104 years, they have championed youth development and women’s empowerment, upholding their Founders’ vision of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (1922) Founded at Butler University, Sigma Gamma Rho stands unique as the only Divine Nine organization established at a predominantly white institution during the height of the Ku Klux Klan’s power in Indiana. Notable members include Hattie McDaniel, Kelly Price and Carmelita.
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (1963) The youngest of the Divine Nine, founded at Morgan State University during the Civil Rights Movement. Their motto is “Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One.” Notable members include Harry Dunn and Terrence Carson.
Club Members in
A couple of our members shared a bit about their Divine Nine experiences.
A s we celebrate Black History Month, what does the Divine Nine mean to you and your organization? H ow have they inspired your own involvement in the community?
Iwas initiated into the Kappa Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at the University of Maryland, College Park in April 1988 and this year I will celebrate my 37th Deltaversary. I was inspired to become
a Delta as a young girl because one of my parents’ best friends from high school, Shirley Hayes, was a Delta and I admired her leadership in the Washington, D.C. community. She was an elementary school principal in a neighborhood where young, Black children needed educational encouragement and motivational role models, and she was that person. As an undergraduate, I was even more inspired to become a Delta as I learned about the sorority’s founding and its foundational programming platforms. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University to focus on promoting academic excellence and serving the community. Their first act of public service was to participate in the Women’s Suffrage March in Washington, D.C in March 1913. Because they were Black women, they had to march in the back and were likely
Sherita Golden Member since 2023
VP & Chief Diversity Officer, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Delta
Sigma Theta
subject to ridicule and abuse by onlookers, but they persevered. I was inspired by the founders’ commitment to social action. The Physical and Mental Health Program Thrust of Delta also resonated with me in college as I was pursuing my degree in Biology/Pre-Medicine. Membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., allowed me to marry my two passions— social justice advocacy and health promotion for marginalized populations—and has informed my community work over the years. I am currently a member of the Baltimore County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and served as Co-Chair of the Physical and Mental Health Committee from 2020-2024. In that role I collaborated with Soror Pia Sterling to execute community programming on the COVID-19 vaccine, maternal health disparities, Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, mental health disparities, menopause, and post-
partum depression. We were honored when our COVID-19 vaccine program, which reached over 1,000 individuals globally, won the national award for Exemplary Physical and Mental Health Virtual Programming in 2021. Delta’s principles of social action and justice have also informed my work as a physician, focusing on developing systems and community approaches to improve healthcare delivery and experiences for vulnerable and minoritized patient populations. The Black Faculty and Staff Association at Johns Hopkins University has given me the tag line “Physician-Scientist Confronting Social Inequities,” which sums up how Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has influenced who I have become. During Black History Month, I reflect on all of the Divine Nine with gratitude for their roles in the Civil Rights Movement and their present day advocacy for equity and justice. y
the Divine Nine
What is the most important lesson your organization has taught you about brotherhood/ sisterhood, civic engagement, or making a difference in the Black community?
Iowe so much of my ambition and leadership development to being an Alpha. As a college student, so much of our work was curating and cultivating experiences for students and aligning with chapters across the south to champion voting and economic opportunity. Throughout my adulthood, the brotherhood has been a backdrop for my own career trajectory and building friendships throughout the country. Black Greek organizations each have a shared commitment
The Divine Nine
TMark Anthony Thomas Member since 2023
President & CEO, Greater Baltimore Committee
Alpha Phi Alpha
toward advancing opportunities in America and that passion is deeply embedded in how we approach our work as business and civic leaders.
H ow do you see your organization’s legacy continuing today?
We are the products of the legacy - it’s not just one cause or one initiative. The last century of progress in America is directly attributed to the people and organizations where fraternity brothers and sorority sisters have broken glass ceilings and partnered to transform who had access to the American dream. It’s this mentorship and support and continued training that made all the difference. y
Modern Legacy and Continuing Impact
oday, the Divine Nine continues to adapt and respond to contemporary challenges while maintaining their foundational principles. Their collective voice remains crucial in addressing social justice issues, promoting educational achievement and fostering leadership development. Their influence extends beyond their membership, as their programs and initiatives touch millions of lives annually through mentorship, scholarship and community service. From voter registration drives
to STEM education programs, the Divine Nine organizations remain at the forefront of positive social change.
As we reflect on their legacy during Black History Month, we recognize that the Divine Nine represents more than just a collection of fraternal organizations – they embody the resilience, excellence and unwavering commitment to service that has characterized the Black American experience.
Divine Nine on Staff
What inspired you to join Alpha Phi Alpha specifically, and how has being part of this historic brotherhood influenced your personal and professional journey?
While attending Baltimore City College, I participated in “Go to High School, Go to College,” a premier national program of the fraternity. The program concentrates on the importance of completing secondary and collegiate education, while providing workshops on dining etiquette, effective communication, professional/business attire, financial aid, health education and more. The Alpha men that mentored me were men of faith, community leaders, business owners and professionals. They were always available to answer my questions and encouraged me to maintain a high moral character while achieving academic excellence. Once I graduated from college, In the fall of 2009, I became a member of the Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., which had mentored me years prior. There has always been an Alpha
Brother near to share their personal experience on a matter, offer a word of advice or to challenge me in healthy dialogue. Over the years, through brotherhood and engagement, I have learned many strategies to overcome and to persevere; learn and become successful as I grew personally and professionally. Those moments have been priceless and truly invaluable.
What is the most important lesson your organization has taught you about brotherhood/ sisterhood, civic engagement, or making a difference in the Black community?
My first time on a plane was to an Alpha Convention. Alpha has taught me how to succeed during official meetings using parliamentary procedure & Robert’s Rules of Order. Moreover, one of the biggest lessons Alpha has taught me is that you may only go as far as your network and personal associations. The work of service and civic engagement and the success thereof, requires a team. Whether a team of Alpha Brothers working on a community service initiative, or a team of you colleagues working on a project,
John Dailey, III
M anaging Court Commissioner, District Court of Maryland, Baltimore City
H ost, The Center Club
Alpha Phi Alpha
like-minded individuals unifying together- moving forward toward a common purpose is the goal. I learned that I simply cannot do this work alone and be successful. My Brothers in Alpha are both creative and innovative. Collaborating with my fellow Alpha Brothers about a new idea, or a different approach to leadership or even something fun, travel or a new experience, has been one of the benefits of being apart of this Brotherhood. Alpha Brothers all come from an array of different backgrounds and experiences. Through this community, it has given me the confidence to engage with individuals in my daily dealings and empathize with their lives, experiences and culture. Alpha is limitless; and whether I’m speaking with a youth group discussing their future goals or a new employee discussing career goals, I offers ways for them to keep their options open, not to limit oneself to narrow thinking, and to explore methods that could led you to multiple disciplines and lines of opportunity. Alpha gave me this mindset many years ago and I always share this with individuals, families and throughout the community at large. y
Grow The Center Club:
Introduce friends, family and colleagues to your Club
The Club’s growth relies on its members. Share your enthusiasm for The Center Club and invite those in your circle to experience it. Your friends, family and colleagues will enjoy the exceptional dining, engaging events and vibrant community.
When you introduce a prospective member, to anyone on the membership team, you’ll receive $100 dining credit when they become a member – a great way to give back and be rewarded.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be the Club’s best year yet. Members can look forward to expanded networking opportunities, a new cultural event series and an impressive lineup of guest speakers. There’s so much in store and we can’t wait to share it all with you.
Wine Locker Selection
EVENT
Fellow wine enthusiasts enjoyed a special tasting and socializing while awaiting their turns to choose their lockers.
A limited number of wine lockers remain available - contact membership@centerclub. org for information and an application. Wine locker holders can look forward to exclusive events designed just for them.
(Above) Nico Sanders, a threeyear Club member and Whiskey Club co-chair, selects his wine locker during our recent Wine Locker Selection event. As our first locker purchaser, Sanders had the first choice of available spaces.
Club members
(Above
Assistant General Manager, Nicholas
welcomes the Wine Locker purchasers.
Right) Howard Sobkov, Melanie SantiagoMosier and Errol Bush
(Below Left)
Steege
(Below Right) Member, Stephen Shaw
Member Accolades
We recognize that our members are some of the most celebrated business leaders in Greater Baltimore. Help us congratulate them for being recognized!
National Academy of Television
Arts & Sciences Chapter’s Gold Circle 2024
Donald Thoms, ThomsMediaGroup
Stevie® Awards
Gold Stevie® Award for Women of the Year in the Non-Profit category and Silver Stevie® Award in the Female Executive of the Year –Non-Profit category in the 21st annual Stevie® Awards for Women in Business
Kris Hoellen, B&O Railroad Museum
The 2024 Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards
Anthony Jenkins, Ph.D., Coppin State University
Robert D. Matthews, Exelon
Mayor Brandon M. Scott , 52nd Mayor of Baltimore City
JOIN THE Young Members Committee.
If you’re 39 years of age or younger, we invite you to be part of this dynamic group driving engagement and programming for young professionals. The committee meets monthly and organizes several exciting events throughout the year. Make connections, share ideas and create meaningful experiences for your fellow Young Members.
Congratulations to Club members Anthony and Amy Pagnotta on their October wedding in Annapolis.
Welcome New Members
JOINED IN NOVEMBER & DECEMBER OF 2024
The Board of Governors, members and Center Club team welcome the following new members. We’re proud to be associated with you and look forward to connecting with you at the Club and in the community.
Mrs. Cassena (CC) Badua
Senior Executive Assistant & Chief of Staff, McKinsey & Company
Mr. Ranier Badua
Universal Banker, M&T Bank
Proposer: Sarah Mogol
Dr. Brenda Banwell
Director of Pediatrics & Pediatrician-in-Chief, Johns Hopkins
Mr. David Banwell
Proposer: Redonda Miller
Ms. Chartese Berry
Chapter President, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Mr. Christopher (Chris) Braxton
Vice President, Sales, Boston Scientific Corporation
Proposer: Jenette Young
Ms. Kathleen Birrane
Partner, DLA Piper
Proposer: Andrew Graham
Dr. Durryle Brooks
Founder & CEO, Love & Justice Consulting, LLC
Proposer: Tara Doaty
Dr. Royce Burnett
Dean, Graves School of Business & Management, Morgan State University
Proposer: David Wilson
Dr. Tinisha Cheatham
Physician-in-Chief, MidAtlantic Permanente
Medical Group
Proposer: Ashton Hampton
Ms. Elizabeth Diable
CEO, Diable Consulting
Proposer: Jacquie Cohen Roth
Mr. Justin Dodson
Chief Operating Officer, Bray & Scarff
Ms. Allison (Allie) Bosarge
Interior Designer, Shepley Bulfinch
Proposer: Ken Dodson
Mr. Brendan Donohue
Principal, Mount Saint Joseph High School
Proposer: Mark Weigman
Mr. Gregory Easley
Chief of Staff to the VP for Public Safety, Johns Hopkins University
Mrs. Kimberly Easley
Proposer: Branville Bard
Dr. Claire Fraser
Mr. John (Jack) Kammer
Proposer: E. Albert Reece
Ms. Sandy Goodman
President, CRGA Design
Proposer: Bradley Chambers
Mrs. Kristi Halford
Founder & Chief
Supporting Officer, C3 Visionary Strategies
Mr. Christopher Halford
Associate, JMT
Proposer: Patricia Mitchell
Mr. Chad Helton
President & CEO, Enoch Pratt Free Library
Proposer: Barbara Bozzuto
Dr. Donté Hickman, Sr.
Pastor, Southern Baptist Church
Dr. Danielle Hickman
Counselor, Resurgence
Counseling Services
Proposer: Redonda Miller
Mrs. Megan Leffner
Regional Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer, MedStar Health
Mr. Nicholas (Nick) Leffner
Vice President, Kimley-Horn
Proposer: Bradley Chambers
Ms. Mary Lewin
Senior Director, PwC
Ms. Annie Torres
Proposer: Jim Coll
Ms. Shakeara Lynch
Finance Director, Bobbie Zulo
Proposer: Rochelle Kane
Mrs. Sylvia Matthews
Mr. Joshua Matthews
President & Founder, JCM Control Systems
Proposer: Reta Stewart
Dean Sarah Michel
Dean, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
Dr. David Goldberg
Professor, Johns Hopkins University
Proposer: Ellen Yankellow
Mrs. Nnenna Obioha
CEO, Axon Clinical Research
Dr. Onyebuchi (Buchi) Ogbuagu
Physician, Vohra Wound Physicians
Proposer: Sarah Mogol
Ms. Nichole Shahverdi
Chief Marketing Officer, Bay Property Management Group
Mr. Philipp Hilditch
Director of Operations, PipeWay Energy Construction
Proposer: Ashley Van Pelt
Know someone who is interested in joining The Center Club?
^Mrs. Jamie Stavinski
Teacher
Mr. Jonathan Stavinski
Senior Account Manager, Trane
Proposer: Jim Coll
Ms. Rilyn Uyanwune
Business Development, MIU Center
Proposer: Munachim Uyanwune
Mr. Jeromie Williams
Founder & Principal Consultant, Alyn Project Solutions, LLC
Ms. Lynn Holloway
Environmental Safety Specialist, United States Capitol Police
Devin Walsh Managing Partner, StatonWalsh Member since 2015
Dr. Munachim Ify Uyanwune Psychiatrist & CEO, MIU Center Member since 2023
Devin Walsh tells the story:
The Center Club continues to exceed expectations, not just as a hub for professional networking, but as a catalyst for meaningful connections and community impact. When I was introduced to Ify Uyanwune, a new member, through my role on the membership committee, I was asked to meet with her to discuss the Club and ways to get involved. What started as a simple conversation turned into the foundation of an incredible friendship and a shared commitment to making a difference.
Since that meeting, Ify has joined me on the board of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where her contributions have been instrumental in driving our mission forward. The ripple effect didn’t stop there—Ify’s sister, Rilyn, has also become a Center Club member and an active participant on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes board.
The Center Club is more than a venue for business discussions; it’s a place where relationships flourish and shared goals turn into lasting community impact.
Dr. Munachim Ify Uyanwune adds:
My experience at The Center Club has been overwhelmingly positive, as it has provided an excellent environment for fostering professional and personal relationships. The collaborative culture and inclusive atmosphere at the Club has made it easy to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar goals and values. The organization’s focus on networking and mutual growth has not only enhanced my career, but it has also enriched my life on a personal level, making my time here truly rewarding!
Share Your Member Connection
Every connection made at the Club has the potential to create lasting impact, and we want to hear how the Club has enriched your life. Whether you’ve developed meaningful friendships, forged valuable professional relationships, gained wisdom from fellow members or achieved success through a Club connection – your story matters.
Have you:
• Built lasting personal or professional relationships?
• Found success through a Club connection?
• Gained valuable insights from conversations with fellow members?
Email membership@centerclub.org to share your experience. Your story could inspire others and showcase the true value of our Club community.
Chef’s Table
Center Club members Jessica and Keith Presley were the first members to experience our exclusive Chef’s Table dining experience. The couple embarked on an intimate culinary journey as Executive Chef Bannan prepared and presented each course, sharing insights into the inspiration and techniques behind each dish.
Their menu included Herb & Ricotta crepe, roast duck breast, Chilean sea bass, elk medallions and finished up with Chef’s dessert panache.
Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Presley, valued members since 2023, for helping us launch this unique dining experience.
Interested in experiencing the Chef’s Table for yourself? Contact Ashley Murphy, Private Events Manager, at amurphy@centerclub.org.
