BALTIMORE, MD—At its 98th annual meeting, the United Way of Central Maryland honored Governor Wes Moore with the Frank Miller Spirit of Partnership award for his ongoing work to promote equity and increase access to life’s basic needs for all Marylanders.

“From raising awareness about ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households on the campaign trail, to partnering with United Way of Central Maryland to coordinate a statewide Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, to his programs and policies to support low-income residents, Gov. Moore lives his belief that ‘those who serve together, stay together,’” said Franklyn Baker, president and CEO, United Way of Central Maryland.

The Frank Miller Spirit of Partnership award was established in 2013 and honors organizations and individuals who exemplify the highest ideals of working in partnership with United Way on the community’s behalf.

“Partnerships like those with Gov. Moore and his administration are vital in our work to provide what’s needed, where it’s needed, across Greater Baltimore,” Baker added. “We’re proud to honor our Governor for his commitment to leave no one behind in his work to create a just and equitable region for all Marylanders.”

Accepting the award on behalf of Gov. Moore, Maryland Secretary of Health Dr. Laura Herrera Scott noted United Way’s dedication to service in the community and its alignment with the Governor’s goal to make Maryland a state of service. “It speaks to why Gov. Moore reached out to partner early on in the administration with United Way of Central Maryland to participate in the MLK Day of Service during his inaugural work,” said Dr. Herrera Scott, who thanked United Way for its partnership, commitment to service and to ensuring that Marylanders are receiving the help and resources they need.

United Way of Central Maryland’s Clementine Peterson Award was first endowed in 1971 to recognize the contributions of female volunteers. Mrs. Peterson wanted to ensure that the enormous contributions made by women were recognized, and Thomasina “Tomi” Hiers, the awardee of the 53rd Annual Clementine Peterson Award, has been a remarkable United Way volunteer leader for nearly two decades.

Hiers’s numerous volunteer roles with United Way of Central Maryland have included chairing the organization’s Board of Directors and Executive, Strategic Planning, and Programs & Outcomes Committees. She also has served on United Way of Central Maryland’s Governance Committee.

“Tomi is a programmatic expert with equally deep knowledge of how to run a successful enterprise,” said Baker. “She has inspired, driven, and supported significant transformation in United Way over the years.”