Howard County Arts Council Board Member Steve Poynot Recognized by Community Foundation

Steve Poynot, Howard Bank Senior Vice President, received the 2015 Leadership Council Award presented by the Community Foundation of Howard County on Thursday, November 12 at its annual Celebration of Philanthropy dinner in Ellicott City. Poynot was honored for his service and contributions to the Howard County Arts Council (HCAC), where he serves on the Board as Immediate Past President.

"Mr. Poynot's leadership skills, length of service and quality of contributions to the Howard County Arts Council outshone all other nominations," said Michael Davis, Chair of the Leadership Council for the Community Foundation of Howard County. "He is an outstanding ambassador for the arts community and for Howard County."

Poynot joined the Arts Council Board in 2006 when he was 27 years old. During his tenure, he has served as Treasurer, Vice President, President and Immediate Past President. Under his leadership, the strategic role of the Board has grown significantly, Arts Council programs have never been more relevant, and the budget is at an all- time high. "The Arts Council's stature as a model multi-purpose arts agency and advocate for the arts is due, in large part, to strong governance. Steve has shown exemplary leadership during his 9 years of service on the Arts Council Board. I have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with Steve on initiatives to advance the arts in the county - we have been so fortunate to have such a thoughtful and dedicated leader at the helm of our organization," said Coleen West, HCAC Executive Director.

In addition to his role with HCAC, Poynot is a Board member of The Bright Minds Foundation (the educational foundation for the Howard County Public Schools), a member of the Steering Committee for Leadership Howard County, as well as a member of the Howard County Spending Affordability Committee. A 2011 graduate of Leadership Howard County, he has been recognized as a Next Leader in Banking by the Maryland Bankers Association, 40 Under 40 by the Baltimore Business Journal and a Howard County's Finest 39 under 39 by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The Community Foundation of Howard County, which raises, manages and distributes funds to support Howard County nonprofits, recognizes Howard County philanthropists each year. The Leadership Council, composed of former leaders of the Community Foundation, each year seeks to honor a younger person (between the ages of 25-45) serving on a nonprofit board who has exemplified leadership and commitment to that organization and the community.

HCAC was established to serve the citizens of Howard County by fostering the arts. It is devoted to nurturing local artists and arts organizations, furthering the public's appreciation of the arts, and ensuring that the arts are accessible - regardless of age, ability or economic status. To learn more, visit hocoarts.org.

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