Longtime Baltimore leader recognized for decades of service, community engagement and advocacy

NCIA has announced the upcoming retirement of Imam “Earl” S. El-Amin, Vice President of Community and External Affairs, marking the close of a distinguished career defined by service, leadership and a deep commitment to the Baltimore community.

El-Amin will officially retire on June 30 after nearly 40 years of connection to NCIA. His work with the organization began in 1987 and continued when he returned in 2005 following leadership roles with state agencies and community-based organizations. Over the years, he has become one of NCIA’s most recognizable and respected voices, helping to strengthen the organization’s relationships across Baltimore and beyond.

“Earl has been much more than a leader at NCIA. He has been one of our most trusted and visible voices in the community for decades,” said Carole Argo, president and CEO of NCIA. “He has built bridges throughout the Baltimore region, opened doors for people too often overlooked and helped strengthen the connections that make our work possible. We are deeply grateful for his service, wisdom and commitment to NCIA and the people we serve.”

As Vice President of Community and External Affairs, El-Amin has overseen NCIA’s community engagement initiatives, cultivated partnerships with local and national organizations, and advocated for workforce development programs serving underserved populations. His leadership has helped position NCIA as a trusted community partner and a leading nonprofit committed to expanding access to opportunity.

For El-Amin, the work has always been rooted in relationships and the belief that every person deserves the chance to build a fulfilling life.

“Baltimore is my home, and serving this community through NCIA has been one of the great honors of my life,” said Earl El-Amin. “What I value most are the relationships built along the way, with colleagues, partners and community members who believe in the dignity and potential of every person. NCIA’s work matters because it helps people see what is possible for their lives, and I am proud to have been part of that mission.”

In addition to his leadership at NCIA, El-Amin serves as Resident Imam at the Muslim Community Cultural Center of Baltimore. He has been a respected leader in Baltimore’s Muslim and interfaith communities for more than 30 years, participating in significant interfaith and civic dialogues, including President Barack Obama’s address to Muslim leadership in Baltimore.

Throughout his career, El-Amin has been known for his steady presence, community-centered approach and ability to bring people together around shared purpose. His decades of work have touched individuals, families, organizations and communities across the region, especially those who have faced barriers to employment, education, stability and opportunity.

Founded in 1977, NCIA is dedicated to empowering people with limited access to opportunities to build fulfilling lives and stronger communities through unconditional support. The organization provides vocational training, youth special education and comprehensive services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as support for individuals navigating mental health challenges, addiction recovery, homelessness, unemployment, underemployment, reentry and veteran transitions.

Headquartered in Baltimore, NCIA has served more than 25,000 individuals throughout Maryland and beyond. Through its focus on independence, financial stability, equity and compassion, the organization continues to change lives one person at a time.

Although El-Amin is retiring from his official role, NCIA noted that he will continue to be a champion for the organization’s mission and the communities it serves.

For more information about NCIA, visit www.ncianet.org.