The Arc Baltimore Honors Rachel London

Rachel London, Esq., Executive Director of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council since 2019, is the recipient of The Arc Baltimore’s Advocacy Leadership Award.

Presented to London at The Arc’s recent Catalyst for Change Awards Ceremony, the Advocacy Leadership Award is presented to an individual whose entire career has been defined by exceptional advocacy, thought leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“With more than 20 years of experience in advocacy, Rachel has championed meaningful change so that people with developmental disabilities can direct their lives with the support they need,” says Kathleen McNally Durkin, The Arc Baltimore’s Chief Executive Officer. “She has been instrumental in shaping policy across childcare, education, and housing.”

Prior being named Executive Director, London held key roles at the Developmental Disabilities Council, including Deputy Director and Director of Children and Family Policy.

A graduate of the University of Maryland’s law program, London began her legal career at Disability Rights Maryland where she led significant civil rights efforts. As Chair of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition, she is a leading voice in the disability community, advocating for systems change, community inclusion, equity, and justice.

The Arc Baltimore’s Advocacy Leadership Award was named in honor of Stanley Herr, whose advocacy career spans over 30 years. The list of past recipients includes a “who’s who” of influential advocates for Marylanders with disabilities, including The Arc Baltimore’s former CEO Steve Morgan and MACS CEO Laura Howell.

Kicking off The Arc Baltimore’s yearlong 75th anniversary celebration, The Catalyst for Change Awards allowed The Arc to recognize those individuals who have gone that extra mile in their commitment and service to the organization and those people with developmental disabilities who are recipients of The Arc’s programs and services.

The awards ceremony was preceded by The Arc Baltimore’s Annual Meeting, which included election of the 2025-26 Board officers and directors. Emceeing the evening’s festivities was former WMAR-TV 2 news anchor Jamie Costello, who with his wife Cheryl produce, shoot, write, and edit compelling video narratives through their company, CosTELLo YOUR STORY.

Since 1949, The Arc Baltimore has been supporting people with developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships. With more than 800 full- and part-time employees, The Arc Baltimore provides employment training and support, day and residential services, family support and education, treatment foster care, assistive technology services, respite care, and public policy advocacy.

For more information, visit www.thearcbaltimore.org, email contactus@thearcbaltimore.org, or call 410-296-2272.