F.T. Burden

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CEO
Springboard Community Services

F.T. Burden, MS, MBA, chief executive officer of Springboard Community Services, has dedicated his career to transforming lives through innovative community services. With over 30 years of progressive nonprofit leadership experience, Burden has spearheaded significant growth and change at the 175-year-old organization since joining in 2015.

Under Burden’s guidance, Springboard Community Services evolved from a group practice to a nationally accredited, state-licensed outpatient mental health organization serving more than 10,000 individuals and families annually across Central Maryland. His vision led to the development of sustainable earned income business models and expanded partnerships, resulting in a 70% revenue growth during his tenure.

Burden’s commitment to addressing community needs is evident in initiatives like the SCS Youth Resource Center, which serves over 500 youth annually and the upcoming $18 million Springboard Youth Training Center.

“Our goal is to break the cycle of poverty, abuse and despair, one person, one family, one generation at a time,” Burden said.

Beyond his role at Springboard, Burden serves on several boards, including Chase Brexton Health Centers and the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence. His leadership extends to fostering diversity and inclusion, ensuring diverse viewpoints in decision-making and program implementation.

A quote Burden lives by, highlighting his dedication to service and personal growth, is: “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”