Kerry Graves
Nominated by NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore (MD)
Member, NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore (MD)
Listen to Kerry's Candidate Speech
Job Title or Position:
- Executive Director, NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore
NAMI Leadership Experience:
- NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore, Executive Director, 2018 - present
Additional NAMI Involvement:
- I am currently serving on the Strengthening the Alliance taskforce, a group formed by NAMI National and BridgeSpan to recommend improvements to the Standards for Excellence.
Board Service:
- Baltimore County Workforce Development Board Member, 2020 - Present; Baltimore City Workforce Development Board and Policy Committee Chair, 2024 - Present
Relationship to Mental Health:
- Individual with first-person experience of mental illness, Family member or direct support of someone with mental illness, Other professional, Non-profit advocate
Candidate Strengths Assessment
The candidate indicated they have experience in the following areas that will help NAMI achieve its mission and strategic goals:
- Advocacy, Business/Nonprofit Administration, Business/Nonprofit Leadership, Mental Health Service/Support, Philanthropy/Donor Cultivation
The candidate indicated they have connections and networks in the following areas:
- Corporate Responsibility, Human Resources/Personnel, Legal/Law, Marketing/Public Relations, Philanthropy, Politics/Elected Officials, Real Estate
Candidate Leadership Style
The candidate indicated the following descriptors represent their leadership style:
- Action-oriented, Data Driven, Decisive, Innovator, Risk Taker, Team Player
Candidate Narrative
The candidate indicated specific skill areas identified as high priority for the 2025-2026 Board where they excel and additional skill areas that would be an asset to the NAMI Board:
I bring strong alignment with NAMI’s Board priorities through my leadership in peer support service delivery, strategic communications, and data-driven decision-making. I have extensive experience implementing innovative technology solutions, managing data systems, and advancing mental health initiatives through partnerships with faith communities. My background ensures thoughtful stewardship, community trust, and a deep commitment to NAMI’s mission. I am poised to help guide NAMI’s future with expertise across service delivery, communications strategy, and technology innovation.
With more than 15 years working for a variety of health advocacy non-profit organizations, I offer strong nonprofit leadership, governance experience, and a deep understanding of organizational growth and sustainability. I bring skills in strategic planning, coalition-building, advocacy, and equity-focused leadership. My experience in community engagement and cross-sector collaboration ensures diverse perspectives are represented. I am committed to fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and inclusion, and to advancing NAMI’s mission with energy, vision, and integrity.
I personally have helped advance the NAMI mission in my community by...
I have advanced the NAMI mission in my community by expanding access to mental health education and peer support. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programming, and community engagement, I have helped reduce stigma, elevate lived experience, and ensure that mental health resources are more accessible. I have strengthened connections with diverse communities, faith leaders, and service organizations, fostering a broader understanding of mental health as a critical part of overall wellness. My affiliate has innovated many programs to match the unique needs of our community but has stayed true to NAMI’s values, ensuring that these programs are replicable in other markets.
I work well in coordination with other leaders to accomplish goals as evidenced by...
I work well in coordination with other leaders as evidenced by my success building collaborative initiatives across healthcare, education, and faith communities. I have secured funding through strategic partnerships and worked alongside diverse leadership teams to implement awareness campaigns and drive policy change. By fostering trust, aligning shared goals, and encouraging open communication, I ensure that partnerships are productive, mission-driven, and impactful. I have built transformational partnerships with major Baltimore leaders, including hosting a CEO roundtable for mental health. And I have collaborated effectively with other NAMI leaders, as evidenced by my work on the Strengthening the Alliance taskforce.