Key Takeaways

• Charles Nabit has decades of leadership experience in health care and real estate.
• His philanthropy supports hospitals, education, arts, and cultural institutions in Baltimore.
• UMCH benefits from his long-standing involvement and advocacy for family-centered pediatric care.
• He advances educational access through the BIC Educational Foundation and culinary programs.
• His support extends beyond Maryland to national academic and cultural organizations.

A Baltimore, Maryland-based executive with decades of experience in health care and real estate, Charles Nabit leverages his success in business to fund community institutions and foundations like the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital (UMCH) and BIC Educational Foundation. He served as chairman and CEO of Developmental Disability Management Services (DDMS) for more than 30 years and is managing partner of the Westport Group, where he oversees the investment firm’s real estate portfolio and other business.

Charles Nabit directs much of his philanthropy through a private family foundation he established in 1992 and has served on the boards of several community organizations in Baltimore.

Giving Back to the Community

As a board member with UMCH, Mr. Nabit has supported the hospital and its emphasis on delivering quality, family-centered care to children and youth. Since its inception in 1948, UMCH has taken its slogan, “Children Are Our Future,” seriously, striving for excellence in both clinical services and medical research. It opened Maryland’s first Level IV neonatology intensive care unit (NICU) in 1977; in 2024, U.S. News & World Report recognized UMCH as a “Best Children’s Hospital for Neonatology.” In addition to its 52-bed NICU, the hospital has a 19-bed pediatric intensive care unit, dedicated pediatric emergency room, and more than 25 areas of specialty care.

Mr. Nabit has also held a position on the board of the BIC Educational Foundation, which provides scholarships to Baltimore-area culinary arts and hospitality students. The nonprofit was named in honor of the former Baltimore International College, which closed after 40 years of operation in 2012, and has several community partners.

Furthering his involvement in the culinary arts, Mr. Nabit has operated the seed-to-plate restaurant Mission Driven Dining in collaboration with Living Classrooms Foundation.

Beyond backing Baltimore healthcare and educational programs, Charles Nabit is a proud supporter of arts and culture, having served on the boards of the Hippodrome Foundation, Walters Art Museum, and B&O Railway Museum. Every year, the Hippodrome Foundation offers free education and outreach programs to thousands of Maryland students at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, home to the historic Hippodrome Theatre. More than 90,000 students have benefited from these programs since the venue’s opening in 2004.

The Walters Art Museum, meanwhile, offers free admission year-round, allowing people of all backgrounds a chance to participate in its educational programs or explore its five historic buildings and 36,000 pieces of art, ranging from 19th-century French paintings to contemporary Japanese ceramics. Its programs include creative arts drop-in sessions for teens, tours and lectures, and the annual Lunar New Year festival. The B&O Railway Museum has the world’s oldest and most expansive American railroad collection and offers a variety of community programs, including summer camps and school field trips.

Mr. Nabit’s work with nonprofit and educational organizations extends beyond Maryland. He chaired the Board of Regents of the University of the South, where he graduated magna cum laude with his bachelor of arts and was a member of the academic honor society Phi Beta Kappa. He later earned a juris doctor from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William & Mary.

FAQs

What areas does Charles Nabit primarily support through his philanthropy?

He focuses on healthcare, education, and arts and culture, with significant support directed to Baltimore institutions.

How has Charles Nabit contributed to the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital?

As a board member, he supports its mission of family-centered pediatric care and its nationally recognized clinical excellence.

What is the BIC Educational Foundation’s mission?

The Foundation provides scholarships to Baltimore-area students pursuing culinary arts and hospitality careers.

Which arts and cultural organizations has Charles Nabit supported?

He has served on the boards of the Hippodrome Foundation, Walters Art Museum, and B&O Railway Museum.

Does Charles Nabit support institutions outside Maryland?

Yes. He chaired the Board of Regents of the University of the South and remains active in academic philanthropy.