CONTACT: Jon Laria
 (410) 528-5506

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LIVE BALTIMORE NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BALTIMORE (March 6, 2007) -- Live Baltimore today announced the hiring of its new Executive Director.  Board President Jon Laria, of Ballard Spahr, said the Board unanimously selected Anna Custer, a member of Comcast’s public relations team and former executive director of The Greater Cumberland Committee, as the ten-year old organization's next leader.
 
The Live Baltimore Home Center is a nationally recognized, independent non-profit organization committed to promoting the benefits of Baltimore City living and to attracting new residents to the City.  Live Baltimore is the leading source for comprehensive information about City housing options, neighborhoods, homeownership -buying financial incentive programs, and real estate trends.   It is well-known for its creative marketing initiatives, including home-buying fairs and a successful campaign to attract D.C. residents to move to Baltimore.  Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon recently named Live Baltimore as a principal partner in the City’s efforts to capitalize on the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) activities, which promise thousands of new residents for the City.

The Board has charged Custer with developing a strategic direction for the organization, identifying sustainable financing sources, and building upon its successful programs and stellar reputation.  Custer succeeds founding Executive Director Tracy Gosson, who left the post in February.
"We're excited to find someone with Anna’s diverse skill set.  She’s a perfect fit," said Laria.  "We're looking forward to having her on board and introducing her to our stakeholders and partners as soon as possible."
Custer’s previous work responsibilities include leadership roles in broadcast journalism, community development, non-profit operations and public relations.   She has been with Comcast since September 2005.  As a company spokesperson, Custer has worked with media outlets in several states, concentrating most of her work in Maryland and Delaware.  She previously managed the company's regional community investment programs.  Prior to that, Custer served as the founding executive director of The Greater Cumberland Committee, a business-led regional development organization in Western Maryland; president of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce (Illinois); and as a reporter for three television stations in Illinois and Ohio.

"I have a passion for Baltimore City and am awed by Live Baltimore’s reputation and accomplishments," said Custer.   "I'm eager to dive in and help the Board and staff start a new chapter for the organization.”
Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon is looking forward to working with the new Executive Director, and has invited Custer to become an official member of her cabinet.

“We’ve enjoyed a great working relationship with Live Baltimore and appreciate its creative, dynamic approach to marketing our City,” said Dixon.  “I look forward to working with Anna to make the Live Baltimore team an even a more integral part of the City’s outreach and marketing efforts.”
Custer will start work at Live Baltimore on March 19.  For more information on the organization, call Live Baltimore at 410-637-3750 or visit www.LiveBaltimore.com.