Daniel Ellis

Chief Executive Officer

Dan Ellis has led NHS of Baltimore since 2011. He is a detail-oriented leader with success in raising money from multiple sources, managing daily financial responsibilities, and cultivating successful partnerships with community stakeholders and government agencies to achieve organizational goals. Under his leadership, NHS of Baltimore has expanded its mission beyond homeownership preparation to include broader community development initiatives. Following the 2015 unrest in Baltimore, Ellis led efforts to engage deeply with residents, emphasizing listening and collaboration to guide revitalization efforts, to include the opening of The Mill on North Food Hall on West North Avenue. NHS now aims to rehabilitate and return ownership of hundreds of vacant properties in West Baltimore over the next decade. Ellis is known for his belief that economic and social justice are rights for all people and communities, and he has championed innovative financing strategies, including the use of New Market Tax Credits to support homeownership.

Jason Hendricks

Chief Operating Officer

Jason Hendricks joined Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore, Inc. in July 2024. In his role as Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Hendricks delivers sustainable business plans to uphold customers’ rights of social and economic justice through homeownership. To date, the organization is experiencing business function transformations driving operational efficiencies, increasing prospect and customer volumes, and improving appropriate customer engagement. Before joining NHS, Mr. Hendricks served as the Chief Marketing Officer for ThompsonGas, orchestrating marketing strategies that propelled sustainable growth and elevated digital customer engagement. Under his guidance, the company witnessed remarkable increases in new customer acquisitions and established a centralized Marketing function for consistency and efficiency. With an unwavering commitment to enhancing customer interactions and driving business growth, Jason has dedicated his career to unraveling the intricacies of consumer behavior, crafting impactful strategies, and delivering operational excellence.

Kareema Pinder

Chief Programs Officer

Kareema Pinder is the Chief Programs Officer at NHS of Baltimore, where she has significantly advanced the organization’s mission by championing financial empowerment for individuals and families. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and a Project Management Certification from the University of Baltimore. Kareema was also accepted into the Achieving Excellence Program through Harvard Business School in partnership with NeighborWorks, with graduation expected in Spring 2026.

Since joining NHS in 2012, Kareema has been instrumental in designing and expanding the organization’s program portfolio. She is the founder of its highly successful financial coaching initiative, launched in 2014, which has supported more than 100 graduates in strengthening their financial well‑being and achieving major personal goals.

Kareema’s dedication to community development, coupled with her commitment to increasing economic mobility, has established her as a respected leader and advocate within the nonprofit sector.

Casey Walker Sr.

Chief Financial Officer

Casey Walker serves as Chief Financial Officer of Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore. With more than 15 years of progressive experience in accounting and financial leadership, Casey brings a results-driven and systems-oriented approach to strengthening the organization’s financial foundation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting.

Since joining NHS, Casey has led efforts to enhance financial transparency, improve internal controls, and modernize reporting processes to support program-level accountability and long-term sustainability. He has overseen balance sheet reconciliation initiatives, strengthened audit readiness, and implemented cross-departmental budgeting collaboration to ensure financial resources align with strategic priorities. His leadership has contributed to improved operational efficiency and stronger alignment between finance and program teams.

Casey is committed to responsible stewardship of the public and private funds entrusted to NHS. He believes strong financial infrastructure is essential to advancing social and economic justice and ensuring that families and neighborhoods across Baltimore have access to sustainable homeownership and revitalization opportunities.

Gretchen Spell

Chief Administrative Officer

Gretchen Spell is the Chief Administrative Officer at Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore and has been with NHS of Baltimore for over 9 years. She began her career at NHS working in the community and quickly moved into management, previously serving as the Director of Administration before becoming the CAO. With a strong connection to West Baltimore and a firm belief in social and economic justice for all, Ms. Spell has dedicated nearly 20 years to nonprofit community development. Before joining NHS, she served as the Deputy Director at Coppin Heights Community Development Corporation for almost 10 years. Ms. Spell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Total Health Care, a federally qualified health center serving Baltimore and Odenton, where she is currently the Chair of the Governance Committee.