Maryland Nonprofits announced today that Heather Iliff, its current President & CEO, will be stepping down from her role effective April 24, 2025.
Heather Iliff has served Maryland Nonprofits for more than 18 years, starting as Staff Consultant in 2007, then Director of the Maryland Nonprofits Consulting Group, then Vice President. In her current role, Ms. Iliff has served as President & CEO of Maryland Nonprofits for the past 11 years.
Ms. Iliff has guided the organization’s strategic shift to center equity and quality of life in its mission to advance and support the critical role of nonprofit organizations. She was at the forefront of the nonprofit sector’s emergency response and advocacy during the COVID-19 pandemic, supported Maryland Latinos Unidos in becoming part of Maryland Nonprofits, and spearheaded the creation of the Nonprofit Accelerator Program to provide back-office and leadership support services to nonprofit organizations.
Most recently, Heather Iliff has been leading the nonprofit sector’s response to the federal government’s attacks on nonprofit funding and diversity, equity, and inclusion—raising a united voice to uplift and defend the critical role of nonprofits and the organization’s unwavering commitment to justice, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the nonprofit community through an organization that is committed to advancing equity and a high quality of life for all,” said Heather Iliff. “I am proud of what we accomplished together, and I look forward to seeing Maryland Nonprofits continue to lead the sector in these turbulent times and for decades to come.”
“The Board of Directors extends its sincere gratitude to Heather Iliff for her 18 years of dedicated service and leadership,” said Walter Simmons, Chair, Maryland Nonprofits Board of Directors. “We are confident about the organization’s future and committed to Maryland Nonprofit’s continued leadership for nonprofits in these challenging times.”
The Board of Directors has appointed Ms. Carmen Marshall, Director of Consulting and Chief Equity Officer of Maryland Nonprofits to serve as Interim President & CEO. Ms. Marshall has served as an Executive Pastor of the historic Bright Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia, and Executive Director of the National Black Media Coalition. She is well known among nonprofits in Maryland for her leadership in advancing equity and inclusion.
The Board will soon begin the search for a new President & CEO.
Maryland Nonprofits will be hosting a farewell party for Heather Iliff on June 12, 2025. Registration will become available soon.
