Who We Are
It's our personal mission to cultivate growth in the Baltimore area — not only economically, but personally and socially. Above all, people are the most valuable part of any community. We love to get to know you better, so we thought we'd introduce ourselves and put some names and faces to our organization.
Ray Lewis, Co-founder
Ray Lewis, a 13-time Pro Bowler and the Ravens' second-ever draft choice (26th overall in 1996), helped guide the Ravens to two Super Bowl titles during his career, capturing the Lombardi Trophy in 2000 and 2012. Following the 2012 campaign, Lewis, who will be forever known as the greatest linebacker of his generation and one of the best defensive players in NFL history, retired after 17 seasons.
He has also established the Ray Lewis Family Foundation to provide personal and economic assistance to disadvantaged youth in Maryland, Florida and beyond. Through his foundation, Lewis hosts an annual Back-to-School Kickoff Event each August and provides 1,200 Baltimore City students with a free book bag, school supplies and snacks. Each November, Lewis donates a tractor-trailer load of food and personal care/hygiene items for Thanksgiving to more than 800 families in Baltimore. Every December, Lewis hosts the Ray Lewis Holiday Gift Marketplace in which more than 150 Baltimore youth enjoy holiday festivities, including a holiday meal and an opportunity to choose gifts for themselves and loved ones. A recent addition to the foundation programs includes the Jan. 2011 distribution of warm winter gear (coats, gloves, blankets, hats) to 300 youth and seniors in Baltimore
His commitment to philanthropy has been honored numerous times throughout his career, including being named a finalist for the Byron “Whizzer” White Humanitarian Award, given to an NFL player who exemplifies dedication to team, community and country, and received the “Act of Kindness” Award at the annual JB Awards (named in honor of CBS broadcaster James Brown) banquet in 2006.
Dr. E Lance McCarthy, CEO
Dr. E. Lance McCarthy is a nationally recognized Faith Based Economist and Investment Advisor, with a specialty in urban development. Dr. McCarthy has assisted non-profit organizations, churches, corporations, professional athletes and cities with economic development and financing plans. His public policy research, Fortune 100 experience, entrepreneurial endeavors and non-profit initiatives give him insight into our nation’s most pressing problems. Most recently Dr. McCarthy has been appointed National Economic Advisor for Faith Driven Consumer, the organization which represents more than 41 million Faith Driven Consumers in the United States, who collectively spend $2 trillion annually. Dr. McCarthy will be working with corporations to assist them in working with the Faith Driven Consumer. He also represents faith-based funding sources that have provided $1 billion dollars in investments for churches nationwide. Presently, Dr. McCarthy is a financial consultant on the upcoming movie “Mary”—set to arrive in theaters nationwide in December 2016.