Klaus Philipsen is known for many things: business owner; architect; adjunct faculty; nonprofit leader; community association president; author; blogger; international, national, regional and local speaker; and many more. He can always be counted on to share the full history of the situation with plans and options to pursue a vision he can clearly see for the untidy land parcels we first acquire.

For us at NeighborSpace, he’s been steadfast at the helm as Board President for 11 years, through good and lean times, 3 Executive Directors, 4 County Executives, numerous Councilpersons, the COVID pandemic, and countless meetings. His depth of knowledge and history of award-winning community revitalization work, coupled with his business and community connections, have been invaluable to our continued growth to an inventory of 100 acres in 21 parks around the county. These bits of open space are the gems of our partnering communities where neighbors gather, similar to how Klaus recalls his days growing up in Germany. His bona fides are impressive but he puts all that aside as he listens to folks talk about their dreams for their community.

Barbara Hopkins, former Executive Director, shared that during her time as Executive Director, “[she] found Klaus to be a complementary partner and deeply valued his subject matter expertise, wise counsel and steady hand at the helm”. When Barbara moved on from NeighborSpace in 2022, Klaus stepped up and quickly familiarized himself with day-to-day operations, successfully guiding the organization through the transition. Klaus has continued to lead design and construction of the Bear Creek Heritage Trail in Dundalk and NeighborSpace celebrated the opening of the first two trail phases in November.

But never fear, Klaus has a continued spot with NeighborSpace as Past President, so his history, guidance and community support will carry on. Thank you, Klaus, for your dedication, your spirit and your guidance. We look forward to many more fruitful years working together.

Following in Klaus’ footsteps is new Board President Pat Keller. Pat has served on NeighborSpace’s Board since 2021 and chairs the Advocacy and Public Policy Committee. Pat is the former Director of the Baltimore County Department of Planning, where he served for over 16 years. He is also the President of the Perry Hall Improvement Association and is a member of the Planning Advisory Committee for the Morgan State University, Department of Urban Studies.

~Kathy Martin, Board Vice President