GBBCC Congratulates Baltimore Community Lending President & CEO Watchen Harris-Bruce on Her Retirement

October 23, 2025 ‒ Baltimore, MD ̶ The Greater Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce (GBBCC) extends its heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to Watchen Harris-Bruce, President and CEO of Baltimore Community Lending (BCL), on the announcement of her upcoming retirement in 2026 after seven years of transformative leadership. Under Bruce’s visionary direction, Baltimore Community Lending has strengthened its financial foundation, expanded access to equitable capital, and deepened its reach across Baltimore’s small business and real estate development communities. Her leadership has left an enduring mark on the city’s economic landscape, empowering underserved entrepreneurs, and revitalizing neighborhoods through inclusive, sustainable lending practices.

“Ms. Harris-Bruce has been a steadfast advocate for equitable access to financial resources and a committed partner to organizations like ours,” said Devin Jackson, President of the Greater Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce. “Her partnership with GBBCC has opened doors for countless Black-owned businesses to access capital, build capacity, and strengthen their impact in the Greater Baltimore region.”

Baltimore Community Lending has been a trusted ally to GBBCC and the broader business ecosystem, helping small business owners and developers obtain the tools and support needed to thrive. Through collaborative initiatives, both organizations have advanced their shared mission: promoting economic empowerment and business growth for Black entrepreneurs and minority business enterprises. BCL’s Board of Directors has engaged BroadView Talent Partners, a national executive search firm, to lead the search for Harris-Bruce’s successor. The process will begin with input from community stakeholders to ensure the next leader continues BCL’s legacy of inclusivity and impact. As Harris-Bruce transitions into a consulting role and remains with the organization through November 2026, GBBCC looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Baltimore Community Lending, ensuring that the partnership remains a cornerstone for advancing small business growth and equitable economic development in Maryland.

About the Greater Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce (GBBCC)
The Greater Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce (GBBCC) is a regional organization dedicated to fostering business growth, economic empowerment, and community advancement for Black-owned and minority businesses. Through advocacy, education, technical assistance, and partnerships, GBBCC provides access to capital, business development resources, and training opportunities that strengthen the region’s Black business ecosystem.
Website: www.gbbcc.org

Media Contact:
Greater Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce (GBBCC)
Email: info@gbbcc.org
Phone: (443) 424-2201

Message from the Governor’s Office

Yesterday Governor Wes Moore announced support and resources available to help meet the needs of federal workers who live in Maryland and are impacted by the federal government shutdown. The Moore Miller Administration has made three immediate steps to protect Marylanders from the immediate consequences of the shutdown:

• Maryland will keep government programs running and keep State employees on the job. State employees supported with federal funding will continue to get paid for as long as possible. Federal programs administered by the State – like Medicaid and SNAP – will continue to operate.
• Maryland is working with the private sector to shield federal workers from eviction, foreclosure, and utility shutoffs. This morning, Governor Moore sent letters to the State Judiciary and Utility Companies reminding them of statutory legal protections for federal, state, and local government employees who are not receiving a paycheck, or who are at risk of eviction or foreclosure.
• Maryland will protect and expand emergency assistance programs for federal workers. A full list of supports can be found at go.md.gov/federalshutdown, including information on the following:
• • Furloughed employees may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance. Those who receive support will repay the funds once they start receiving a paycheck again.
  • Financial assistance and payment flexibility for Marylanders affected by the shutdown are also available through Maryland credit unions and banks.
  • Support for our landmark Feds to Eds Program, which connects Marylanders with federal experience to career opportunities in teaching, is also being extended. 

As the shutdown continues, Maryland will also continue to offer a broad range of supports for federal employees and other workers impacted by federal actions, such as:

• Support in finding a new job through 33 American Job Centers and a specialized Professional Outplacement Assistance Center, including individualized career guidance, résumé workshops, mock interviews, career and skills assessment, effective job search strategies, and networking support;
• Additional career resources, such as information on transitioning to a teaching career;
• A weekly virtual workshop designed specifically for former federal employees and federal contractors, and attended by more than 1,600 workers to date;
• Job fairs and recruitment events;
• Unemployment insurance;
• Resources for veterans;
• Legal resources; and
• Resources related to health coverage, housing, and food, cash, and other assistance.

Full PDF Here: 2024_08-13 FDT_Greater Bmore Blk Chamber.pdf

FORBES: Entrepreneurship is Core to Civil Rights: A Conversation With National Urban League President And CEO Marc H. Morial

By: Rhett Buttle

• As we continue to honor Black History Month, it is important to realize that entrepreneurship is core to civil rights. The past several years have shown the importance of business ownership in historically underserved communities, but there remain inequities in areas that include access to capital and federal contracting. 

• Founded in 1910, the National Urban League (NUL) now has over 90 affiliates serving 300 communities in 36 states and Washington, D.C., that are dedicated to helping African-Americans and others in underserved communities achieve their highest true social parity, economic self-reliance, power, and civil rights. NUL supports small business & entrepreneurship among historically underserved communities as a key part of their agenda. 

Read the full article here.