Former Development Director Succeeds Katy McGuire, Who Retired in March
The Arc Baltimore has named Christopher Knoerlein as the organization’s new Chief Advancement Officer.
Knoerlein, who previously served as The Arc Baltimore’s Director of Development and Communications, succeeds Katy McGuire. McGuire retired at the end of March after spending over 40 years in development, communications, government relations, and nonprofit issues for anti-poverty and disability organizations. She joined The Arc Baltimore in 2006.
Knoerlein, a Villanova University and Calvert Hall College High School graduate who joined The Arc as a Program Coordinator in 2005, brings 20 years of experience to his new position. As Chief Advancement Officer, he will maintain and grow annual giving through appeals and proposals to individuals, foundations, and corporations.
Knoerlein will also facilitate Board members’ annual engagement and support The Arc Baltimore’s CEO in Board development. In addition, he will implement annual fundraising events, oversee the organization’s Annual Meeting and Awards Program and Developmental Disabilities Day activities, and manage all aspects of external communications, including advertising and media outreach.
“Everyone at The Arc is thrilled to have an extraordinarily talented and experienced person like Chris take the reins from Katy McGuire,” says Kathleen McNally Durkin, The Arc Baltimore’s Chief Executive Officer. “We knew replacing Katy would be impossible, but Chris has repeatedly excelled at every task he has undertaken. As a result, we are very confident he is the right person to lead our fundraising efforts going forward.”
In his previous position, Knoerlein developed and implemented internal and external communications for The Arc Baltimore, including creating all the organization’s publications, managing its web properties and social media channels, photography, videography, and advertising. He also managed a portfolio of grants, researched grant opportunities, wrote grant applications, and fostered relationships with grant makers.
In addition to his work at The Arc Baltimore, Knoerlein served as the Maryland Chapter President of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD). He co-chaired AFP Maryland’s Fundraising Day in Maryland in 2017 and 2018 and was named to the Board of Maryland Inclusive Housing in July 2023. He is also a longtime youth soccer and basketball coach for the Towson Recreation Council.
A recent graduate of Leadership Baltimore County, Knoerlein currently resides in Towson, MD, with his wife, son, and two dogs.
About The Arc Baltimore
The Arc Baltimore supports people with developmental disabilities (autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability) to lead fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships. The Arc provides employment training and support, day and residential services, family support and education, treatment foster care, respite care, public policy advocacy, and information and referrals. For more information, visit www.thearcbaltimore.org, email contactus@thearcbaltimore.org, or call 410-296-2272.
