Live Baltimore Welcomes Six New Members to Board of Directors

Live Baltimore, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to attracting and retaining Baltimore City residents and supporting healthy housing markets, announced the appointment of six new members to its Board of Directors for Fiscal Year 2027.

Live Baltimore is now governed by an independent, 30-member Board of Directors that helps guide the organization’s mission to grow Baltimore’s population and strengthen its more than 250 residential neighborhoods.

The work of Live Baltimore doesn’t happen without our dedicated Board of Directors,” said Live Baltimore Executive Director Meghan McCorkell. “As this organization looks ahead in planning and executing our newly developed 5-year strategic plan, we know that the expertise, encouragement, and passion that each of our board members brings will propel us forward. Thank you to this group of volunteers for their time, energy, and service to our organization.”

The following leaders have joined the Board:

• Regina T. Boyce, Maryland General Assembly, State Delegate
• Valencia Hike, Director, Community Relations, Baltimore Orioles
• Melanie Kerr, Owner & Executive Chef, Chauncey’s
• Jerlyn Korkoya, Assurance Senior Manager, Ernst & Young LLP
• Jane H. Lewis, Assistant Deputy Mayor, Mayor’s Office of Community and Economic Development
• Austin Merritt, Community Relations Manager

Delegate Boyce, a 22-year resident of the Waverly neighborhood, shared, “I wanted to be a part of the Live Baltimore Board because I LOVE the uniqueness of Baltimore defined by its greatest asset: neighborhoods.”

“I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the Live Baltimore Board because I believe thriving neighborhoods are built through intentional collaboration, meaningful investment, and resident-centered leadership,” said Valencia Hike. “I would welcome the chance to apply my experience in community engagement, strategic partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration to advance Live Baltimore’s mission and strengthen Baltimore’s neighborhoods.”

New Board member and 4^th generation Baltimorean, Melanie Kerr added, “Growing up in the City, I believed the common idea that to be successful and from Baltimore, you have to leave Baltimore. I did that and learned that Baltimore is everything I thought I needed to be elsewhere to find… I want to be a part of Live Baltimore to help others see the beauty and hopefully be a part of continuing to make Baltimore better.”

Jerlyn Korkoya shared, “Although Baltimore has been my home for most of my life, it still surprises and inspires me every day. I am excited to serve on the Live Baltimore Board and contribute to an organization that celebrates the people, neighborhoods, and opportunities that make Baltimore such a vibrant place to live.”

“Historic City, State, and private investments are going to transform the Baltimore landscape in the next several years; Live Baltimore is the gateway for new residents to become part of this positive change,” said Jane H. Lewis. “Baltimore has been a dream come true for me as a working parent with an interest in music and art, strong community ties, and staying active.”

“As a native Baltimorean, being a part of Live Baltimore—an organization that has long been a pillar in supporting and celebrating the city’s growth, retention, and culture—strongly aligns with who I am as a person and supports the work I continue to do every day,” said Austin Merritt.

Each year, Live Baltimore reaches hundreds of thousands of individuals through LiveBaltimore.com and directly assists a significant share of Baltimore City homebuyers by connecting them to information, neighborhoods, and incentive programs that support homeownership and long-term residency in the city.

About Live Baltimore

Live Baltimore is a nationally recognized, independent nonprofit organization committed to promoting the benefits of Baltimore City living. Each year, Live Baltimore provides thousands of individuals with information on the city’s 250+ neighborhoods, rental living options, homebuying incentive programs, historic tax credits, and more. For more information, visit LiveBaltimore.com.