Today, Paul’s Place Executive Director Bill McLennan formally announced that he will retire from the nonprofit organization in early 2022 after having served in the role since 2002. Under McLennan’s leadership, Paul’s Place, located in the Washington Village/Pigtown neighborhood, has become known for its mission to be a catalyst and leader for change in Southwest Baltimore and, more broadly Baltimore City, but has also become known as a trusted human services outreach center serving individuals and families with respect and dignity.

“It has been an incredible journey, during which Paul’s Place has grown to help so many people in the community. I’m proud to have played a role in that and excited to watch the organization continue to bring much-needed support services to City residents,” said McLennan.

During his nearly 20-year tenure, McLennan facilitated four strategic planning processes, which resulted in the successful expansion of Paul’s Place from a soup kitchen to a community outreach center that engages with the community to determine needs and create programs to assist with meeting those needs. In addition to continuing the weekday lunch program, the marketplace program was expanded to provide clothing to the community, and case management services were added to assist with benefits and access to health services, housing and employment. Summer Camp and an After-3 School program brought programs to children.

Before his retirement, McLennan will have the opportunity to see the completion and opening of perhaps the most ambitious program to date: The Culinary Arts Training Program at Groundwork Kitchen, a new restaurant and catering business on Washington Boulevard in Washington Village, that will house a workforce development program in the culinary arts.

"Bill has been a visionary servant leader for Paul’s Place. Over his 20 years of service, he has been faithful in pursuing our mission of providing hope and dignity for our guests by strategically adding services to positively impact families in the Southwest Baltimore community,” said Susan Owens, president of the Paul's Place, Inc. Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors is working with executive search firm Marcum/Raffa to conduct a national search for a successor. The search committee that will be formalized over the next few weeks will work with Marcum/Raffa to launch a search at the end of the summer.

“Bill has worked tirelessly to coordinate and build strong relationships with other community partners and leaders to ensure the best outcomes for our community. His successor will inherit an innovative, transformative organization with a dedicated leadership team and staff,” added Owens.

McLennan is a graduate of the University of Richmond, where he earned an undergraduate degree in Political Science. He began his career in banking and marketing before deciding to devote the remainder of his career to work in human services. Prior to Paul’s Place, McLennan was the Associate Director for the Maryland Food Bank, a statewide hunger relief organization with over 900 community food provider outlets. He is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Maryland, 2004 graduate of The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Fellows Program, and a 1998 graduate of Leadership – Baltimore County.

McLennan is committed to low income and non-profit issues. He is currently serving on the Baltimore City Local Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) Board. Previously, McLennan served on the Boards of the Fuel Fund of Maryland and Maryland Nonprofits as well as the Baltimore City Continuum of Care Journey Home Board and Health Care Access Maryland.

Paul’s Place is a catalyst and leader for change, improving the quality of life in the Washington Village/Pigtown neighborhood and the surrounding Southwest Baltimore communities. Paul’s Place provides programs, services, and support that strengthen individuals and families, fostering hope, personal dignity and growth. For more information on Paul’s Place, visit www.paulsplaceoutreach.org.