The Southwest Partnership staff work with the neighborhood associations, Southwest Partnership Committees, and anchor institutions to implement the Vision Plan. The staff can be reached at staff@swpbal.org or by phone at 667-210-2105.
Donny James, Executive Director
Donny James is currently the Executive Director for the Southwest Partnership. In this capacity, he leads the organization’s charge of assisting with the rebirth of Southwest Baltimore and its seven communities.
Mr. James has developed a passion for working and turning around economically underserved areas throughout his professional career. He utilizes his experience to assist and development turnaround plans for neglected communities.
Mr. James has a history of developing, maintaining, and working with sister agencies throughout his career in addition to private developers to create public-private partnerships to assist with executing some of these projects.
Mr. James joined Southwest Partnership with over 27 years of senior-level real estate development experience. Previously, he worked with Community of Hope, a non-profit organization, in Washington, DC where he served as the Director of Real Estate Development and was responsible for all the organization’s real estate transactions. In this role, he managed the design and construction of a new $28MM, 50,000 sq. ft. healthcare facility in Southeast Washington, DC. He also managed the expansion of the organization’s birthing center in Northwest Washington.
Previously he served as the Chief Real Estate Officer for the Revenue Authority of Prince George’s County. In that capacity, he led the Revenue Authority’s effort with the revitalization of the Suitland Federal Center in Suitland, MD with a successful mixed-use development. Prior to joining the Revenue Authority of Prince George’s County, Donny served as the Real Estate Director for the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation, where he led the planning efforts for the redevelopment of Poplar Point, a 110-acre development in SE Washington, DC. As Real Estate Director, he also led the development efforts to relocate the Washington Metropolitan Area
Transportation Authority to a new headquarters.
Mr. James served as a guest lecturer at Bowie State University, Columbia University, and the University of Maryland and presently serves as an adjunct professor at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia where teaches Public Private Partnership at the graduate level in the Master's Degree of Real Estate Development. He has also served on multiple panels throughout the country surrounding redevelopment in urban areas. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Economics from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, his Master's of Science Degree with a
concentration in Real Estate Development & Finance from Columbia University in New York City, and his Master of Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Mr. James is a very active member of several social and civic organizations. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc. Boggy Swamp Masonic Lodge #452 (PHA), King Solomon’s Temple (32nd degree Mason) NABBAR Temple 124 (Shriner’s). He is also a life member of the Morehouse Alumnus Chapter and a member of both Columbia & Harvard University Alumni
Chapters. He is very active with the Annapolis Breakfast Club Swim Team, US Master swimmers, and the US Tennis Association (USTA) in the Mid-Atlantic region.
When he is not working, Donny enjoys distance open water swimming, playing tennis, and reading.
Adrian Muldrow, Commercial Development Manager
Adrian Muldrow is an experienced professional who has worked extensively with businesses and community organizations across the DMV area. He specializes in B2B and has helped businesses grow around labor, branding, marketing, and data trends. Adrian has also worked as a District Manager with the Maryland Lottery, where he helped maximize profits, prevented losses, and acted as a liaison between businesses and the state of Maryland.
Contact Adrian
adrian@swpbal.org
Brenda Rodriguez, Community School Coordinator Charles Carroll Barrister
Born and raised in Baltimore City, Brenda joined the SWP in January 2020. She has a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a concentration in Animal Wellness and Behavior. Prior to joining SWP, she worked extensively with the Maryland 4-H Youth Development as their International Program’s Coordinator, where she organized inbound 4-H Japanese delegate homestays to Maryland, and Outbound Maryland 4-H delegate homestays to countries such as Japan, Tanzania, and Finland. Brenda decided to work for SWP because it allows her to combine all the knowledge and experience, she’s garnered from her time working in different spaces, to create fun and educational events for students, parents and community members of her hometown. As the Community School Coordinator for Charles Carroll Barrister Elementary, she acts as the community liaison for the school, and aids in fostering partnerships, developing community activities and events, and providing much needed resources for her school’s families. Please reach out to Brenda if you would like to discuss partnering with CCB.
Contact Brenda
brenda@swpbal.org
Meghan Cardoso, Community Organizer
Contact Meghan
meghan@swpbal.org
Chris Bowling, Operations Manager
Chris joined the SWP February 2020. He has a bachelor’s degree in Art Education and taught in Aberdeen, MD. Before joining the SWP, he worked in other office administrative and bookkeeping jobs and started his own business selling his artwork. Chris manages the day-to-day operations in the office, bookkeeping and financials, and administrative tasks. He assists the Executive Director and supports all other staff members, does daily bookkeeping, monthly financials, and audit preparation, maintains the office including repairs and upkeep, provides record-keeping and document organization, and helps with IT issues. Chris started selling his artwork at the annual Pigtown and SoWeBo Festivals, where he first discovered the culture and charisma of the SWP neighborhoods and learned of the efforts of the Southwest Partnership. Chris moved to Baltimore City in 2020, and now resides in the Hamilton area with his partner and dog.
Contact Chris
chris@swpbal.org
David Pope, Communications Manager
David Pope, a Baltimore native, joined the organization in April 2023, David is dedicated to promoting the mission and initiatives of Southwest Partnership through effective communication strategies. He holds a degree in Digital Communications from the University of Baltimore.
Before joining Southwest Partnership, David worked with the City of Baltimore as a Digital Content Strategist, where he honed his skills in crafting compelling narratives and engaging online content to amplify community initiatives.
Beyond his professional role, David is a talented freelance videographer. During a freelance project focused on saving the Sarah Ann Street houses, David first connected with Southwest Partnership. Witnessing the organization's dedication to community revitalization and social impact, he was inspired to become an integral part of the team.
With his expertise in digital communications, creative storytelling, and community engagement, David Pope is vital in enhancing Southwest Partnership's visibility, reaching diverse audiences, and fostering meaningful connections within the community.
Contact David
david@swpbal.org
