Perry Hall civic leader recognized as 'Community Hero'

County Executive Johnny Olszewski recently announced this year’s “Community Heroes” in recognition of seven individuals who have dedicated their time and concerted efforts toward bettering their communities.

Pat Keller, one of the the seven Community Hero awardees, is the president of the Perry Hall Improvement Association. Over the years, he has worked closely with County Councilman David Marks and other local leaders to engage in projects, initiatives and programs that serve in the best interest of Perry Hall residents, businesses and stakeholders.

“The dedicated community stakeholders who invest their time and energy to advocate for their neighborhoods and neighbors exemplify the leadership and passion that makes Baltimore County a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” Olszewski said.

“We are proud to continue supporting, celebrating, and building this network of community heroes whose selfless work makes a difference in the lives of our residents every day.”

PHIA is a civic organization that particularly focuses on interests of the community. Its members regularly participate in activities that promote advocacy, local events and service projects.

Keller, based in District 5 which covers Perry Hall, proudly leads an organization that has been around for nearly 80 years.

Civic leaders from Baltimore County’s six other districts were also honored during an hour-long Community Heroes ceremony, now in its third year, in Towson on Sept. 26. They were presented with plaques and executive citations.

Other Community Heroes awards recipients were:

District 1: John Jay Dillow, Southwest Visions Foundation

John Jay Dillow is a founding member and President of the Southwest Visions Foundation (SWVF), an organization working to improve the quality of life for residents in southwestern Baltimore County. The Southwest Vision Foundation and Baltimore County have worked together to expand their efforts in neighboring communities like Lansdowne, Riverview and the Baltimore Highlands in coordination with the State’s Department of Housing and Community Development. Dillow continues to be deeply invested in his community, as both an advocate for his neighborhood, and as a coach for the Arbutus Recreation & Parks program.

District 2: Deborah Patterson, Pikesville Township/Pikesville Communities Corporation

Deborah Patterson is a dedicated community advocate and current president of both the Pikesville Township Association and the Pikesville Communities Corporation. Her collaborative efforts with the Pikesville Art Gallery and Arts Festival have connected local students and artists with opportunities to display their work and build new connections. Patterson is passionate about keeping her community informed and currently coordinates the National Night Out in Pikesville.

District 3: Eric Rockel, Greater Timonium Community Council

Eric Rockel is the current vice president and zoning representative for the Greater Timonium Community Council, an umbrella group of community associations dedicated to improving the quality of life throughout the Timonium area. In addition, he has served as a past president for the Lutherville Community Association and has testified in front of countless government agencies to advocate for his community’s interests. Rockel continues to be a leading voice for District 3 as a guest speaker, columnist, and opinion writer.

District 4: Chrissy Thornton, Associated Black Charities

Chrissy Thornton is the president and CEO of Associated Black Charities, an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of countless residents throughout the Baltimore region. She has also served in leadership positions on the Board of Directors for ArtsCentric and as board chair of the Color of Crohn’s & Chronic Illness, where she spearheaded an initiative to promote diversity and address the disparities that our communities face. A dedicated advocate, she continues to use her platform to fight for social justice, equity, and community empowerment. The Daily Record named Thornton as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2023.

District 6: Nancy Goldring, Northeast Towson Improvement Association

Nancy Goldring is president of the Northeast Towson Improvement Association and a fierce advocate for Historic East Towson, the oldest historically Black community in Baltimore County. Among the many initiatives she has led is the planned Road to Freedom Trail which will enable residents and visitors to connect with the culture and history of our region at locations such as the Hampton Historic Site. Goldring also serves as co-leader of the Baltimore County Lynching Memorial Project and as a board member of the Maryland Lynching Memorial Project.

District 7: Carlos Crespo, Crespo Productions/Nuestras Raices, Inc.

Carlos Crespo is the founder of Crespo Productions and co-founder of Nuestras Raices, Inc., a community organization dedicated to cultural preservation and support. He has spent the past 22 years empowering underserved and immigrant communities by distributing food boxes to the needy, providing vital assistance to neighbors during emergencies, and advocating for essential policies like DACA and the Dream Act. Crespo is an active volunteer whose efforts continue to strengthen our communities and celebrate cultural diversity.