Governor Wes Moore’s chief of staff, Fagan Harris, announced he will step down at the end of the year to become president of The Abell Foundation, Baltimore’s largest philanthropic organization. Harris, 38, leaves after serving as a key advisor and strategist for Moore, where he played an influential role on education policy, legislative battles, and other high-profile issues during the governor’s first term.
For Harris, the move marks a return to his roots in the nonprofit sector. Before joining Moore’s administration, he was the founder and CEO of Baltimore Corps, an organization that connected emerging leaders to local nonprofits. Accepting the leadership role at Abell felt like a rare opportunity. “It’s kind of a once in a lifetime thing,” Harris said, adding that he believes he can help guide Baltimore as it addresses long-standing challenges like population loss and public safety.
The Abell Foundation, with more than $330 million in assets, has long been a driver of local progress, funding research and initiatives to improve quality of life in Baltimore. Harris will succeed Robert C. Embry Jr., who is regarded as one of the most influential civic leaders in the city’s history. Abell board chair Christy Wyskiel praised Harris as a leader with the unique ability to bring together government, business, philanthropy, and anchor institutions to help Baltimore thrive.
Governor Moore is expected to name Harris’ successor this fall as he gears up for reelection in 2026. While Harris’ time in Annapolis was brief, it left a mark. He described the experience as “utterly transformative” and expressed confidence that both the administration and the city are positioned for growth. “The conditions are right to grow the city [of Baltimore] again and to really nurture it and do that from the bottom up in all of its neighborhoods,” Harris said.
Fagan Harris, Moore’s chief of staff, departing for Abell Foundation – The Baltimore Banner
