Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore Chief Operating Officer Jesse Schaefer Named to Baltimore Business Journal's 2026 40 Under 40

Baltimore, Md. (June 30, 2026) -- Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore (BGCMB) is proud to announce that Chief Operating Officer Jesse Schaefer has been named to the Baltimore Business Journal's 2026 40 Under 40, recognizing the region's most accomplished young leaders for their professional achievements, leadership, and community impact.

Since joining BGCMB in 2020, Schaefer has helped lead one of the organization's most transformative periods of growth. What began as a four-Club organization has expanded to 11 Clubs serving youth across Baltimore City, Howard County, and Maryland's Eastern Shore, creating greater access to high-quality programs and life-changing opportunities for thousands of young people.

As Chief Operating Officer, she has provided strategic leadership for Club operations, organizational performance, and long-term growth initiatives. Her collaborative leadership has helped strengthen internal systems, expand the organization's capacity, and position BGCMB for continued impact, including the opening of new Club locations and deeper investments in the communities it serves. 

Earlier in her tenure, Schaefer played a key leadership role in the organization's fundraising and communications efforts, helping co-lead the historic $42 million Great Futures Campaign, including securing the transformational lead investment from the Baltimore Ravens and the Stephen and Renee Bisciotti Foundation. She also helped grow private philanthropic support to historic levels, creating a stronger financial foundation for the organization's future.

"Jesse is an exceptional leader whose impact extends far beyond the walls of our organization," said Jeff Breslin, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore. "She has an incredible ability to bring people together around a shared vision, navigate complex challenges with purpose, and keep our mission at the center of every decision. Because of her leadership, more young people across our region have access to the opportunities they deserve. This recognition is incredibly well earned, and our entire organization is proud to celebrate her."

"I'm deeply honored to receive this recognition," said Schaefer. "The work we do at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore is only possible because of an extraordinary team, dedicated community partners, generous supporters, and the incredible young people who inspire us every day. I'm grateful to work alongside people who believe so deeply in creating Great Futures, and I'm proud to share this recognition with all of them."

The Baltimore Business Journal will honor the 2026 40 Under 40 recipients at its annual awards celebration later this year.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Baltimore (BGCMB) enables all young people—especially those who need us most—to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. With more than 252,000 children in Maryland lacking access to out-of-school time programs, BGCMB is closing the gap one child, one Club, one community at a time. Through 10 Clubs serving more than 4,000 youth across Baltimore City, Howard County, and the Eastern Shore, BGCMB delivers high-quality programs built on four core pillars: health and wellbeing, academic success, character and leadership, and life and workforce readiness. Together, these pillars prepare young people to thrive today and build a brighter future for tomorrow. www.BGCMetroBaltimore.org.