Photography by Steve Buchanan
Charlie Wagner takes nonprofits very seriously. While working for Arundel Federal Savings Bank, he was in charge of vetting organizations that the bank had targeted for donations. He met with officials from HOPE For All in Glen Burnie.
The organization—a Christian ministry that provides basic necessities to families and individuals with limited economic resources—really caught his attention when he visited in January 2015. And the leadership of HOPE For All took an instant liking to Wagner.
Within a month, Wagner, who works for Arundel Federal’s Gambrills branch, accepted an offer to join their board.
“He impressed us with his understanding and knowledge of our mission and what needed to happen for the people we serve,” Hope For All Executive Director Connie Cooper says. “We built a relationship right then and there. Charlie fit the moment he walked in the door.”
About a year and half later, Wagner, 66, became vice president of the board. By this time, he had become such an integral leader that the organization promoted him to interim president in 2018. A year later, he became permanent president after HOPE For All’s Founder Leo Zerhusen stepped down from executive duties.
“I was needed,” Wagner said simply about his intense involvement. “I feel if God gives you gifts you should use them to help other people. Business and strategies have always been my strengths. Managing people and processes has been easy for me.”
Wagner has proven to be invaluable to Cooper as an advisor. She constantly reaches out to him regarding key decisions for the organization.
“The leadership and direction he has set for the whole organization has been monumental,” Cooper says. “His strong faith has led us through the Covid crisis.”
“He’s not one to shirk when it comes to giving his opinion,” she adds. “He’s willing to listen to both sides and gives a very thoughtful response.”
Cooper was particularly impressed with how Wagner led HOPE For All through a major transition after founder and long-time Executive Director Zerhusen lessened his involvement. “Leo was here for 15 years and he was everything,” Cooper says. “So, we had a lot of change when he left. Charlie took us through that long process almost seamlessly.”
Wagner could also add the description of “cheerleader” to his title for his constant encouragement and positive attitude. “He is just a wonderful upbeat spirit,” HOPE For All Communications Director Robin Smith says. “If you meet Charlie, this shines through.” Cooper adds, “He encourages me and everyone else.”
Wagner is also extremely hands-on when it comes to helping HOPE For All’s outreach into the community. He will be at the forefront, helping families and individuals make the transition from homelessness to having a place of their own.
As an elder at Timonium Presbyterian Church, he recruits about a dozen middle school and high school students from the congregation’s youth group. They deliver housewares, clothing, and furniture from HOPE For All’s warehouse to the nonprofit’s recipients who are moving into a new residence.
“I bring the young people out because I want them to see how other people live,” Wagner explains. “I want them to serve people less fortunate and to see that there’s another side from the middle class lives they are living.”
Wagner also actively pitches in during the organization’s monthly yard sales. “I am not in charge,” he says. “I am just one of the workers. I do what I am needed. Let me say this: The yard sales are huge. We get a lot of people who line up before it even starts.”
Cooper doesn’t know where she’d be without Wagner. “It’s hard to find someone who commits wholeheartedly like Charlie,” she says. “He constantly has the goodness of the organization in his heart. It’s what we need. A lot of people want to help, but their lives are busy, but he doesn’t allow that to happen.”
