The Excellence in Chief Executive Leadership (EXCEL) Award recognizes and spotlights outstanding chief executives among nonprofits in our region. The competition focuses on achievement in the areas of innovation, motivation, community building, ethical integrity and strategic leadership.

The Center has been awarding this honor since 2005, and the Bethesda-based accounting firm Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman has sponsored the award since 2007. To date, more than 40 executive directors in the Washington, DC area have been recognized.

We also recognize fellow CNHED member, Harold Pettigrew, Executive Director of the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) as an honorable mention.