The Sharp Dressed Man Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Ralph Bolton as its new Executive Director. Sharp Dressed Man is a Baltimore nonprofit whose mission is to serve men reentering the workforce by providing recycled suits for job interviews and the organization recently received Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Baltimore award for “Best Do-Gooders”.   In his new position, Bolton will be accountable for the overall strategic financial, communications and business plans for the non-profit as well as overseeing volunteer activities, the hiring and training of staff, expansion of programs and services, fundraising efforts and board development, among other responsibilities.

After 9 months of dedicated service, interim executive director Jenny Kessler Klump is stepping down in her role of leading Sharp Dressed Man. “It has been a joy to lead Sharp Dressed Man through a fire, literally, and into a new space, and the experience and people I’ve met will stay with me for the rest of my life.” said Kessler Klump. “Ralph Bolton has an inspiring and transformational vision for the future of Sharp Dressed Man- his combination of steady leadership, hard work, and dedication to the cause will set Sharp Dressed Man up for many years of future success.”

Bolton, a west Baltimore native, has been the Director of Operations for the organization since March of 2016 and has more than ten years of experience in leadership roles, primarily in operations and management. Prior to joining Sharp Dressed Man, he worked at Verna Myers Consulting Group, a diversity consulting firm, as communication advisor.  Before that, he worked as manager of operations for Consolidated Delivery Service for two years and at U.S. Pack, Inc. as account manager for one year.

“His humble beginnings and success through adversity, uniquely positions him to successfully lead the start-up organization to the next stage of growth,” said Board President, Christopher Schafer. He added, "I'm thankful for Jenny's contributions to the organization and I'm looking forward to the growth of Sharp Dressed Man with Ralph at the helm. It's been a roller coaster of a year and we've been extremely fortunate to receive such generous support from our volunteers, board, staff, and donors."

Bolton says of his new position. “Sharp Dressed Man has and will continue to play a unique and vital role in the development of men across the city of Baltimore.  As we continue to focus on men’s professional attire and self-development, our goal is to achieve social equality in men here in the Baltimore area, then eventually across the nation. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Sharp Dressed Man in engaging the community, to support our vision, and want to extend a thank you to everyone who has stood by the organization, and looks forward to greeting all of them at the upcoming gala in September.”

The first ever Sharp Dressed Man gala will occur on Thursday, September 22, at Chase Court in Mt. Vernon. The fundraising event features program graduates walking the runway in their fashionable business attire. Tickets are $75, and proceeds for the event will assist in continuing operations and a new location in 2017.

ABOUT SHARP DRESSED MAN

Sharp Dressed Man, a local 501 (c) 3 non-profit, was founded by a partnership between Christopher Schafer Clothier, the Baltimore Fashion Alliance and Living Classrooms in 2012 to support men re-entering the workforce by providing gently used recycled suits, ties and shoes.  The organization established an independent clothing boutique in downtown Baltimore at 235 Park Ave in December 2015 but when the building caught fire in early March 2016, moved to 223 West Lexington Street.  Currently, donation drop offs take place on Tuesday and Thursdays between 11 am- 3 pm and suitings take place on Wednesday from 12-2 pm. (Suiting by referral only).