Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency Announces Leadership Transition

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — August 2, 2026 — The Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency, Inc. (AACCAA), Anne Arundel Countyʼs designated anti-poverty agency, today announced the retirement of Chief Executive Officer Dr. Charlestine R. Fairley and the appointment of Berneitha McNair as the agencyʼs new Chief Executive Officer.

Dr. Fairley concludes a distinguished tenure marked by sustained growth in the agencyʼs capacity to serve individuals and families across Anne Arundel County. Under her leadership, AACCAA strengthened its portfolio of programs — including Early Head Start, Energy Assistance, Housing Assistance, Health and Wellness, Youth Development, and Diversion and Reentry Services — and deepened its commitment to a 2-Generation Whole Family approach serving household members from infancy through their senior years. The Board of Directors extends its deep gratitude for her vision, integrity, and years of dedicated service.

Ms. McNair brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in the nonprofit sector and Community Action network. Throughout her career, she has strengthened organizations, advanced innovative solutions to address poverty, and improved outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. She assumes leadership of the agencyʼs full portfolio of federal, state, local, and foundation-funded programs, including those operated
under the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).

“It is an honor to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency,” said Ms. McNair. “Community Action has been my lifeʼs work, and I am committed to building upon the agencyʼs strong foundation while working collaboratively
with our Board of Directors, employees, community partners, funders, and the residents we serve. Together, we will strengthen programs, expand opportunities, and deliver high-quality services that empower individuals, strengthen families, and build
stronger communities.”

Ms. McNair is supported by a newly structured executive team:
Calynn Evans — Chief Operating Officer
Joshua Hatch, MBA — Chief External Affairs & Strategy Officer
Denise Crews — Chief Administrative Officer

About the Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency, Inc.
Established in 1965, the Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency, Inc. is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and Anne Arundel Countyʼs designated Community Action Agency. AACCAA promotes economic opportunity and long-term self-sufficiency by
delivering comprehensive services and cultivating partnerships that empower individuals and families to overcome poverty. Learn more at www.aaccaa.info.

M E D I A CONTA C T
Joshua Hatch, MBA, Chief External Affairs & Strategy Officer Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency, Inc.
443-891-5616 | jhatch@aaccaa.info