CEO Jamie McDonald to step down at year end; Transition committee formed

At UpSurge, we’re committed to driving progress, fostering innovation, and supporting the Baltimore Tech ecosystem in our work to build a top-tier tech city and the first Equitech city. Today, we share a heartfelt message from our CEO, Jamie McDonald, who has been instrumental in shaping our journey and will be stepping back at year-end.

Dear UpSurge Community –

It is with a mix of emotions that I write this note. At year-end, I will step back from the incredible privilege of serving as UpSurge’s CEO. As some of you know, in 2021 my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. We have been on a learning journey since the diagnosis, and with Baltimore tech’s strong momentum, the time is right for me to reprioritize. 

Leading UpSurge has been the best job I’ve ever had, aligning my passions and experiences into an opportunity to drive progress for the city I love – one which I know will one day be a model for the country.

With the support of an incredible team and so many partners across Baltimore, we’ve served hundreds of startups, mobilized the ecosystem around the Equitech vision, collaborated with economic, civic, academic and corporate partners across the region, become a strong voice for Baltimore tech, built confidence in Baltimore’s potential as a startup hub, connected startups and local VCs with millions of dollars of support, brought three accelerators to Baltimore, and so much more.  

I could not be more optimistic about UpSurge’s future.  My confidence rests with the continuity of UpSurge’s senior team, Kory Bailey and Maddy Stokes, and our deeply committed board and supporters.

With the foundation we’ve set, it’s an exciting time for new leadership to bring in fresh insights and to amplify our momentum. I’ll be focused on ensuring a smooth transition, and while my role may change, my passion for this work will not. Next year, I’ll serve as an UpSurge entrepreneur-in-residence, working with local founders in a new way.

The UpSurge Board has formed a Transition Committee to select a new CEO.  As an organization anchored in equity and openness, the committee welcomes applications from qualified internal and external candidates. For those with the vision and vigor to lead this work, you are encouraged to apply by September 29th. The job description can be found here.

I am so grateful for your collaboration, critical insights and belief in our work. Baltimore tech’s future is bright with this powerful community driving it forward.

Thank you for your friendship and partnership,

Jamie