Board Member Spotlight: Roger Lee, Treasurer
Over his 40 year career, Roger worked with businesses of all shapes and sizes. He spent decades specializing in commercial loans before retiring in 2024, only to return to work less than a year later. This time joining the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), the City of Baltimore’s economic development agency. There, he continues doing what he’s always done: connecting businesses with the capital and financial guidance they need to grow.
His path to BISM started when two consultants, one working on the organization’s financial performance, the other an attorney doing legal work for BISM, independently referred him to Vice President and Counsel Tom Kohn. At the time, BISM was looking to refinance a bank loan, and Roger‘s background made him a natural contact. Though nothing came of that first conversation, Tom kept in touch, And when a board seat opened up, he called Roger. “I said sure, absolutely, I’m very interested,” Roger recalls. “And the rest is history.”
As Treasurer, Roger has drawn directly on his banking background to benefit the organization. One of his proudest contributions came early in his tenure, when BISM transitioned its banking relationship from Bank of America to Fulton Bank. It was a sensitive moment. The bank was closely monitoring BISM’s financial health, and the organization was navigating COVID related challenges. Roger helped guide the relationship, providing insight into how to manage the transition, meet loan terms with confidence, and position the organization for long-term financial stability. It was, in many ways, exactly the kind of work he had spent four decades doing in the private sector, just now in service of a mission he deeply believes in.
His swearing-in as a board member also stands out as a memorable milestone. The process required a trip to Annapolis to present before the General Assembly, and ultimately, a confirmation letter from the Governor of Maryland. “I basically testified before the general assembly of the state,” he says with evident pride.
Beyond the financial work, Roger values what a board brings to an organization more broadly: oversight, governance, and an outside perspective that keeps management sharp. “We’re here as a sounding board for management.”
When asked why the work of BISM matters to him personally, Roger is direct: helping people who need it is simply important to him. “BISM provides different services and training to people who are blind — people who have a handicap or disability,” he says. “They can function like any person, and we’re providing a real benefit and service to them. Being able to help people who are in need of help is important to me, and that’s why I enjoy volunteering.”
Looking ahead, Roger is excited about BISM’s future, and candid about its challenges. He sees the organization’s heavy reliance on state and federal government contracts as a concentration risk, particularly given the current uncertainty surrounding government funding. Diversifying BISM’s customer base, he believes, is one of the most important strategic priorities ahead.
For anyone considering getting involved with BISM, Roger‘s message is simple: show up however you can. “There’s always opportunities to volunteer and help out,” he says. “But if you can’t volunteer, monetary contributions are very important too. For any nonprofit organization, donations are what make it possible to continue doing the work.”
For Roger Lee, the best investment he’s ever made isn’t monetary; it’s his investment in the lives BISM helps transform every day.
