Three contributing factors made Sunday a glorious outing at Camden Yards: the weather was fantastic, the Orioles were victorious over the Chicago White Sox 8 – 4, and the O’s recognized Catholic Charities Executive Director Bill McCarthy as a Birdland Community Hero for his commitment to charity, service, hope and harmony.

McCarthy’s family accompanied him as he accepted the Birdland Hero award after the fifth inning. Cheers came loud from the crowd, which included Catholic Charities board members, colleagues, and families from its Baltimore City Head Start program.

“It’s a joy to receive this award and to be recognized by my hometown team, the Orioles,” said McCarthy. “I love my work and I am grateful for the opportunity to positively impact the lives of so many people in need thanks to my talented colleagues.” 

The Orioles Birdland Community Heroes honors people from all walks of life, occupations, and diverse backgrounds living in our region, our country, and abroad, who have distinguished themselves by selflessly working or volunteering in fields that care for, serve, teach, protect, and improve the lives of others, around the corner or around the globe.

Since 2009, McCarthy has led Catholic Charities as Maryland’s largest private provider of social services with more than 80 programs in 200 locations throughout Baltimore City and nine counties. Through its 2,100 employees and thousands of volunteers, it serves about 160,000 Marylanders in need each year. That includes individuals experiencing poverty or homelessness, older adults, children and families in crisis, immigrants, and individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Prior to joining the organization, McCarthy was a tax attorney who then served as the market president for SunTrust Bank, Maryland, and as the head of wealth and investment management for the Mid-Atlantic Group. He also served in executive management positions at Allfirst Financial and M&T Bank.

McCarthy serves as chairman of the board at his alma mater, Loyola Blakefield He sits on the boards of the Greater Baltimore Committee, One Baltimore, Baltimore City’s Journey Home Board, SunTrust Bank Maryland, The Thomas O’Neill Catholic Health Care Fund, the Board of Financial Administration of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Maryland Catholic Conference.

He earned both law and master’s degrees from the University Of Baltimore School Of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University.

View the in-game ceremony on the Orioles video board

Bill McCarthy with family and friends for the Birdland Hero award

A young graduate of the Catholic Charities Sterrett Street Head Start with his Mom at the Orioles’ game to honor Bill McCarthy as a Birdland Hero.

Catholic Charities Head Start family enjoys Orioles’ game and Bill McCarthy named as Birdland Hero.

Staff and family at the Orioles’ game.

Catholic Charities Head Start family having fun at Orioles’ game.