We are pleased to announce the inaugural class of The Baltimore Sun's Maryland Business and Civic Hall of Fame — 12 extraordinary men and women who have made a difference in a broad range of fields. They will be honored at an event in June and profiled in a special section of The Sun.

Sister Helen Amos

The former Mercy Medical Center CEO guided the institution through a period of tremendous growth while maintaining the values of its founding. She has been a leader in business, faith, health and social justice.

Peter G. Angelos

The attorney and Orioles owner built one of the nation's most prominent law firms, helped shape Baltimore's downtown and contributed on a terrific scale to educational and civic charities.

Helen Delich Bentley

The former congresswoman's tireless advocacy for the Port of Baltimore has positioned it as one of the region's key economic drivers for the 21st century.

Eddie and Sylvia Brown

Brown Capital Management Founder Eddie C. Brown and his wife Sylvia have long worked in partnership on their family's extensive philanthropy in the arts, health and education.

Nancy Grasmick

In her two decades as Maryland's state schools superintendent, Nancy Grasmick was a national leader in educational accountability and early childhood instruction. Her leadership helped Maryland's schools earn a place among the nation's best.

Frank Kelly Jr.

The former state senator played an instrumental role in developing the R Adams Crowley Shock Trauma Center, the University System of Maryland, University of Maryland Medical System and the Maryland Stadium Authority.

James A.C. Kennedy

The recently retired T. Rowe Price CEO doubled the investment firm's assets under management and kept the company's headquarters in downtown Baltimore.

Raymond A. “Chip” Mason

Over four decades, Raymond A. “Chip” Mason built the investment firm he founded into one of the nation's biggest asset managers.

Robert Meyerhoff

The philanthropist's contributions to the arts and education include the Meyerhoff Scholars program, a national model for training minorities for success in science and technology.

John Paterakis Sr.

John Paterakis Sr. transformed the business his father co-founded into one of the biggest bakeries on the East Coast, and he transformed Harbor East into the city's poshest neighborhood.

Theo C. Rodgers

The A&R Development Corp. co-founder has been deeply involved in supporting civic institutions including the Johns Hopkins Health System and the Baltimore Community Foundation.