Influential Marylander 2020 Profile | Celeste Amato

As president of the Maryland Philanthropy Network, a statewide, Baltimore-based association that represents some 130 organizations, Celeste Amato helps manage some $9 billion in charitable assets.

This is a winner profile from The Daily Record's 2020 Influential Marylanders awards.

Among other things, MPN designs programs to educate and inspire investment, connects potential funders to emerging issues that need assistance and helps promote effective philanthropy.

“National and local philanthropy, through MPN, have not only supported the expansion of important, mission-driven work in the social sector, but have also directly benefited small and emerging entrepreneurs, increasing connectivity to vendor opportunities with large institutions and driving greater local economic impact,” Amato said.

Amato joined MPN in 2012, after 18 years working in business development, marketing, communications and management.
“I hope that other businesses, large and small, will join us in becoming increasingly intentional in directing their spending in support of local and diverse-owned businesses,” Amato said.

Amato also volunteers with several area civic and nonprofit organizations, including the Maryland SPCA and the South Baltimore Learning Center.

She previously was honored as a Most Admired CEO by The Daily Record.

Asked about the best advice she had received, she related how Jay Brodie, the former chief of the Baltimore Development Corporation, once told her he would rather she asked his forgiveness than his permission. “I am sure he may have regretted that encouragement a few times, but it instilled confidence in my own leadership and is advice that has served me well,” Amato said.

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Source: The Daily Record