Robert Embry Jr.

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Abell Foundation

Robert C. Embry Jr. has served as president of the Abell Foundation for nearly four decades, leading the organization’s grantmaking, research and investment efforts since joining in 1987. Embry recently announced that he would be stepping down as head of the foundation and will remain in his role until a successor is selected.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Embry graduated from Baltimore City College High School, Williams College and Harvard Law School. His professional career has encompassed significant roles in housing, education and urban development.

From 1968 to 1977, Embry served as Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development for Baltimore City. During his tenure as housing commissioner, he used available HUD programs to address the housing needs of lower-income residents and urban homesteading for households with more resources. Embry also served as Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and as President of the Board of School Commissioners for Baltimore City.

Since joining the Abell Foundation in 1987, Embry has overseen the organization’s broad portfolio encompassing health and human services, community development, education and workforce development, criminal justice and addiction, environment and the arts. The foundation has its origins in the fortune created by the A.S. Abell Company, which owned and published the Baltimore Sun, the Evening Sun and other regional publications. The foundation’s mission focuses on improving the quality of life in Maryland, particularly Baltimore City, while seeking to create opportunities and advocate for changes to support communities most affected by structural racism and disinvestment.

Under Embry’s leadership, the foundation has pursued initiatives including the ReBUILD Metro effort, whose mission is to transform abandoned properties into both rental and homeowner opportunities. This initiative approaches the challenge of rehabilitating vacant housing on a block-by-block basis through collaboration with key partners, most notably BUILD (Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development). The ReBUILD effort is having its impact in neighborhoods in central Baltimore near Penn Station, including Greenmount West, Oliver and Johnston Square.

The Abell Foundation’s strategic approach to deploying resources includes allocating 25% of its annual distribution to strategic investments in start-ups and local companies to improve job creation and economic benefits, beyond the federally required annual minimum of five percent of its assets.

Throughout his career, Embry has held leadership roles on numerous boards, including a five-year term as President of the Maryland State Board of Education. During his tenure at the foundation, Embry has observed Baltimore’s economic transition over many decades from a blue-collar manufacturing center producing steel, autos, ships and other products to what is now referred to as consisting of “Eds. Meds, and Feds.”

His ongoing commitment to identifying economic opportunities for Baltimore includes exploring potential partnerships with major corporations for high-tech manufacturing initiatives in the city.

Embry and his wife, sculptor Mary Ann Mears, have four adult daughters.

Honoree profiles were written using an artificial intelligence program and supported by information provided by the honorees and other resources. Each profile was reviewed, fact-checked and edited for accuracy by The Daily Record’s editorial staff.