The Presidents' RoundTable names Jennifer Wicks executive director

Wicks to focus on strategic growth and economic impact for Black entrepreneurs in Maryland

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:22am

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The Presidents' RoundTable (PRT), a longstanding network of Black entrepreneurs and business leaders in the Baltimore-Washington region, has appointed Jennifer Wicks as its new executive director. Wicks, who previously served as chief development officer for the Greater Baltimore Urban League, will work closely with PRT leadership to elevate the organization's visibility, strengthen member value, and help position PRT for its next chapter of impact.

Why it matters

The appointment of Jennifer Wicks as executive director of The Presidents' RoundTable comes at a pivotal moment for the organization, as it looks to build on its 2026 revitalization efforts and continue strengthening its role in advancing Black business leadership, opportunity and influence in the Maryland region.

The details

Wicks brings a strong background in executive leadership, strategic communications, partnership development and organizational growth to the role. In her new position, she will work closely with PRT Board Chair James Makia and other leadership to elevate the organization's visibility, strengthen member value, and help position PRT for its next chapter of impact. The appointment also builds on the leadership of outgoing Executive Director Rian Hargrave, whose tenure helped guide the organization through an important period of continuity and change.

  • The Presidents' RoundTable was founded in 1983.
  • Jennifer Wicks was appointed as the new executive director in March 2026.

The players

Jennifer Wicks

The new executive director of The Presidents' RoundTable, Wicks previously served as chief development officer for the Greater Baltimore Urban League and brings a strong background in executive leadership, strategic communications, partnership development and organizational growth.

James Makia

The board chair for The Presidents' RoundTable, Makia stated that Wicks is the right leader to help the organization move with intention and bring people together around a shared goal.

Rian Hargrave

The outgoing executive director of The Presidents' RoundTable, Hargrave's tenure helped guide the organization through an important period of continuity and change.

The Presidents' RoundTable

A longstanding network of accomplished Black entrepreneurs and business leaders in the Baltimore-Washington region, founded in 1983 and committed to fostering leadership, opportunity and economic advancement.

PRT Reach Foundation

The nonprofit arm of The Presidents' RoundTable, historically recognized for supporting college scholarships and reflecting the organization's broader commitment to creating pathways of opportunity.

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What they’re saying

“Jennifer Wicks is the right leader for this moment. She understands how to help an organization move with intention and how to bring people together around a shared goal. That is exactly what PRT needs right now.”

— James Makia, Board Chair, The Presidents' RoundTable

“I am honored to serve as executive director of The Presidents' RoundTable. PRT has a powerful legacy and an important role to play in the future of business leadership in Maryland. I'm grateful to Rian Hargrave for the leadership she has provided and for the trust behind this transition. I look forward to listening, building, and helping lead a chapter that reflects both the strength of this organization's history and the scale of its future.”

— Jennifer Wicks, Executive Director, The Presidents' RoundTable

What’s next

As part of this next chapter, PRT also looks forward to elevating the visibility of its nonprofit arm, the PRT Reach Foundation. Historically recognized for supporting college scholarships, the Foundation reflects the organization's broader commitment to creating pathways of opportunity and extending its impact beyond membership. Additional updates on the Foundation's future direction and engagement opportunities will be shared in the months ahead.

The takeaway

The appointment of Jennifer Wicks as executive director of The Presidents' RoundTable represents a pivotal moment for the organization, as it seeks to build on its legacy and strengthen its role in advancing Black business leadership and economic opportunity in the Maryland region.