PNC Bank Honored by The Arc Baltimore

PNC Bank has been honored as the winner of The Arc Baltimore’s 2025 Professional of the Year Award for demonstrating exceptional community engagement and commitment to financial education.

Presented during The Arc Baltimore’s recent Catalyst for Change Awards Ceremony, the

Professional of the Year Award in memory of Thomas Ferciot recognizes a professional who furthers The Arc Baltimore’s mission by supporting the organization and the people The Arc serves with professional services characterized by excellence and sensitivity.

“In early 2024, PNC Bank Branch Manager Robert Tai enthusiastically embraced developing a financial literacy program for participants in The Arc Baltimore's Career Catalyst Program,” explains Kathleen McNally Durkin, The Arc’s Chief Executive Officer.

The Career Catalyst program helps people with developmental disabilities to find competitive, integrated employment opportunities through classroom instruction and internship experience, allowing them to transition from school into the workforce.

The PNC Bank initiative aimed at educating Career Catalyst participants on essential banking practices, including budgeting, understanding debt, and managing accounts. Mr. Tai spearheaded bi-weekly classes at PNC Bank, which participants praised for the practical knowledge and increased financial confidence they gained.

“PNC Bank's proactive approach in fostering financial literacy and supporting community development through accessible banking education exemplifies partnership and social responsibility,” Durkin continues.

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.