Donald C. Fry is the President and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC), one of the most influential business and civic organizations in the state of Maryland. He has been the President and CEO since November 1, 2002. Prior to his tenure as President and CEO, he served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel, where he served as the GBC’s Chief Operating Officer and oversaw the organization’s economic development, community revitalization and public policy efforts.
Fry is deeply committed to improving the relationship between business leaders and lawmakers to promote a competitive business environment and economic growth statewide. During his time at the GBC, Fry has been actively engaged in major victories for the Greater Baltimore business community including recent efforts to keep Preakness at Pimlico and advocating for Howard Street Tunnel funding.
Successful GBC initiatives under Fry’s leadership include the founding of the Bridging the Gap program, which is dedicated to developing and fostering relationships between majority, minority and women-owned businesses to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. He also led the study that produced the 2010 GBC report, Gaining a Competitive Edge: Keys to Economic Growth and Job Creation in Maryland, which outlines eight core pillars to foster job creation and economic growth in the state. Fry also launched the Coalition for a Second Chance and Baltimore Women’s Advisory Board during his time serving as President and CEO. Fry continues to lead efforts to advocate for a modernized and adequately funded regional transportation system in greater Baltimore.
Fry currently serves in leadership roles for a variety of organizations including the CollegeBound Foundation Board of Directors, Towson University Board of Visitors, Harford Mutual Insurance Companies Board of Directors, Visit Baltimore, University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Board of Visitors and many others.
Fry has received various awards including being a three-time recipient of the Influential Marylander in Civic Leadership award, which led to his induction to the Circle of Influence by The Daily Record. He has also been recognized as The Daily Record’s Innovator of the Year; one of Maryland’s Most Admired CEOs by The Daily Record; and a Power 10 CEO by the Baltimore Business Journal.
Fry was engaged in a private law practice in Harford County from 1980 to 1999. He served in the Maryland General Assembly as a member of the House of Delegates and the Senate of Maryland. During his tenure in the state legislature, Fry served on several committees and subcommittees. He is one of a handful of legislators who has served on all of the key budget committees.
He earned a B.S. in Political Science from Frostburg State College and a J.D. from University of Baltimore School of Law.