Columbia Foundation's Lawson to be honored by the Horizon Foundation

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

(The Baltimore Examiner) --

Barbara Lawson will have quite the retirement party.

The Columbia Foundation president and chief executive officer announced her resignation this fall after 19 years with the nonprofit.

Lawson, 60, helped to grow and develop Howard County and area nonprofits by raising money for community groups. This Thursday, the Horizon Foundation will honor her for her dedication to the community and involvement in local development at the community health group’s annual awards breakfast.

“Barbara’s been a real powerhouse in Howard County, trying to improve life in the community, and under her leadership The Columbia Foundation has grown considerably,” Horizon Foundation President Richard Krieg said. “We really wanted to honor her for being such a tremendous asset to the Howard County community.”

Started more than 35 years ago by James Rouse, the Columbia Foundation is dedicated to the progressive growth of Howard County. The foundation began as a philanthropic organization building human services and cultural and civic organizations to support city life. Through revenue generation from appreciated property, life insurance, charitable trusts, bequests and cash, Lawson helped the group invest and grow these assets since 1989.

According to U.S. Census data, there is plenty of money to raise.

The Horizon Foundation cites census figures showing Howard County as the second-wealthiest county in the nation. Households earning between $100,000 and $150,000 give a combined $99 million, while the $150,000-to-$200,000 demographic donates $39 million and the $200,000-plus group contributes nearly $90 million.

Lawson considers it rewarding to see those dollars go back into the place she calls home. She helped fund and develop the Oakland Mills revitalization, earning the All-American County award and increasing affordable housing. The group’s endowment fund also has grown under Lawson, bulging from $1 million to nearly $15 million.

“It’s time to start another chapter; it’s time to move on,” said Lawson, a Wilde Lake resident. “All of Howard County is my home, so I get to see it’s growing, which is exciting.”