The multi-trades chief in the Division of Operations and Maintenance is recognized for his long-term dedication to and leadership of the Hampden United Methodist Church’s food pantry.
Photo: UMB Chief Business and Finance Officer Dawn Rhodes, right, talks about Zachary Brown after he won the Community Service Award. (Photo by Matthew D’Agostino)
Giving back to his community is in Zachary Brown’s DNA, having followed in the footsteps of his grandmother and mother in working to make sure that the Hampden United Methodist Church’s food pantry is stocked and prepared to provide sustenance to those who need it.
Brown, multi-trades chief 2, Division of Operations and Maintenance (O&M), University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), began helping at the pantry when he was in elementary school and has not stopped. He now averages 35 to 40 hours of volunteer work per month and has led the pantry as director for the past 10 years.
“My family’s core values are what drive me to give back to my community,” Brown said. “My grandmom grew up during the Depression, so she instilled in me that there are a lot of hungry people out there who are experiencing food insecurity in that they don’t know where their next meal’s coming from.
“We’re one of the richest countries in the world, and there are people out here looking for food,” he added. “People go to bed and they’re like, ‘What am I eating for breakfast in the morning?’ They don’t know. So that’s why we’re here to help.”
Watch a video about the Employee Recognition event below or on YouTube.
For these efforts , Brown received the UMB Community Service Award on March 25 during the Employee Recognition and Service Awards Luncheon at Westminster Hall, earning a certificate of commendation, an engraved crystal award, and a $750 prize.
The University also announced the Cecil S. Kelly Memorial Employee of the Year Awad winner and James T. Hill Scholarship recipient while recognizing employees who in 2025 celebrated work service anniversaries of 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 years.
Photo: Zachary Brown, second from left, stands with, from left, Chief Human Resources Officer Malika Monger, Chief Business and Finance Officer Dawn Rhodes, and UMB President Bruce Jarrell after winning the Community Service Award. (Photo by Matthew D’Agostino)
Brown said he was “very surprised” to have earned the honor, but his co-workers were not. Melissa Morland, MBA MS, executive director, O&M, said Brown’s community service efforts align with his character.
“Zach has been involved in nearly every aspect of the pantry’s operations, offering steady, compassionate service to some of Baltimore’s most vulnerable residents,” Morland said. “After years of hands-on involvement, he stepped into the volunteer leadership role, guiding the pantry’s mission with integrity, dedication, and a deep commitment to community well-being.”
Brown’s duties include food distribution, volunteer coordination, client support, and operational oversight. The volunteers pack 35 to 40 bags of food per week and serve about 25 families a month, including those who’ve lost jobs, are recovering from other setbacks, or are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living.
“Zach got involved with the pantry at a young age when his pastor needed help delivering Thanksgiving meal baskets and asked Zach to help,” said Jason Ward, human resources generalist, O&M. “His grandmother was born during the Great Depression and was passionate about people having what they need. She got more involved with the pantry and pulled Zach along with her.
“She instilled these ideals and desire to address food insecurity in Zachary, and he is very passionate about it,” he added.
Morland said Brown’s community service also aligns directly with two of UMB’s core values sets: Respect and Integrity, and Equity and Justice.
“His leadership has ensured that no one is ever turned away and the pantry remains a reliable, respectful, and welcoming resource for families experiencing food insecurity,” she said. “Under his guidance, the pantry has strengthened its ability to meet increasing community needs, particularly during high-demand periods. He has been instrumental in training volunteers, improving workflows, and ensuring that the pantry continues to operate smoothly and efficiently.
“Zach’s steady presence, organizational skill, and heartfelt concern for others make him an exemplary community servant and a model of volunteer leadership,” Morland added. “His dedication, character, and sustained impact make him profoundly deserving of the Community Service Award.”
Watch a WBAL-TV report about the Hampden United Methodist Church food pantry.