Jack and Nancy Dwyer Workforce Development Center, Inc. (DWD), a national healthcare workforce development nonprofit, is proud to announce the Baltimore Business Journal has selected DWD CEO, Barb Clapp, as a 2025 Power 10 CEO award winner.
The Power 10 CEO awards honor 10 executives across Baltimore’s public, private, and nonprofit sectors who have made a lasting impact on their organizations, industries, and the community. Honorees are recognized for their professional achievements, commitment to innovation, and deep civic involvement, including board service and proactive engagement in nonprofit work.
“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized as a 2025 Power 10 CEO by the Baltimore Business Journal,” said DWD CEO Barb Clapp. “This award reflects the meaningful work our team is doing every day, breaking down barriers, building careers, and helping to shape a more equitable healthcare system in Maryland and beyond. I share this recognition with our entire DWD community, especially the Dwyer Scholars who inspire us daily.”
Barb was appointed as CEO of DWD in 2021 and was instrumental in building the nonprofit organization from the ground up—establishing its mission, developing the first-of-its-kind model, assembling a team, and leading a successful $590-million acquisition deal. In just one year, she achieved 501(c)(3) status, created the organization’s brand and messaging, developed training programs, secured partnerships, and laid the foundation for DWD’s rapid growth.
Since September 2022, DWD has served over 8,000 Scholars, who are now actively contributing to the nation’s healthcare workforce, and has expanded beyond Maryland to Texas, Florida, Kansas, Pennsylvania, New York and Delaware. The organization also grew its team from two full-time employees in 2021 to over 40 full-time employees in 2025. A transformational leader and champion for community empowerment, Barb also led the development of the Dwyer Scholar Resource Center in East Baltimore, a dedicated space offering free access to computers, events, and one-on-one support.
In addition to her leadership at DWD, Barb was recently appointed to the University of Maryland Medical System Corporation Board of Directors by Governor Wes Moore and has served on more than 20 nonprofit boards. Her advocacy for workforce development, equity, and community engagement has earned her numerous awards, including The Daily Record’s 2024 Health Care Hero and Baltimore Business Journal’s 2023 Enterprising Women of Excellence awards.
The 2025 Power 10 CEO honorees will be profiled in a special issue of the Baltimore Business Journal and recognized at an event in September. View the full list of honorees below and at https://bit.ly/4lMZtPb.
2025 Power 10 CEO Honorees
2025 CEO of the Year
Joseph Haskins Jr., co-founder and chairman, Harbor Bank of Maryland
2025 Power 10 CEO
Kory Bailey, chief ecosystem officer, Greater Baltimore Committee
Sashi Brown, president, Baltimore Ravens
Watchen Harris Bruce, president and CEO, Baltimore Community Lending
Mac Campbell, executive director, Baltimore Convention Center
Barb Clapp, CEO, Dwyer Workforce Development
Doug Dollenberg, president and CEO, Brightview Senior Living
Richard Huffman, founder, president and CEO, Celebree School
Mark Sapperstein, CEO, 28 Walker Development
Kristi Smith, president, Maryland region, Howard Hughes
Michele Bresnick Walsh, chair and CEO, Gordon Feinblatt LLC
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About Dwyer Workforce Development (www.dwyerworkforcedev.org)
Dwyer Workforce Development is a unique 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to provide comprehensive support to individuals who lack opportunity and aspire to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, alleviate a severe healthcare workforce shortage, and improve the lives of seniors and the community at large. Dwyer Workforce Development provides program participants – Dwyer Scholars – Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, job placement support in healthcare facilities, need-based wraparound services, and person-centered case management to foster successful outcomes. Founded by businessman and entrepreneur, Jack Dwyer and his family, in 2021, DWD’s unique model is redefining what it means to give back by creating career opportunities for those who lack opportunity, reducing healthcare staff shortages, and improving patient care. Handpicked by Jack Dwyer to lead the organization, Barb Clapp serves as CEO, bringing visionary leadership and a deep commitment to equity and impact. Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, DWD has grown exponentially since inception with a national footprint encompassing Maryland, Texas, Florida, Kansas, Pennsylvania, New York and Delaware. For more information, visit www.dwyerworkforcedev.org and follow DWD on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.