We are incredibly proud to announce that Melissa Rosenberg, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Maryland, has been honored as The Arc Maryland’s Community Professional of the Year.
This prestigious award recognizes a leader whose work has had a direct and lasting impact on the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The award is reserved for professionals outside The Arc’s network of employees and board members, and it celebrates those who demonstrate exceptional sensitivity, service quality, and commitment to fostering independence and inclusive lives for people with IDD.
Melissa Rosenberg is all of this—and more.
Melissa is a steadfast champion of the autism community. Always just a call away, her leadership has been instrumental in expanding our organization’s impact, guiding the successful partnership of local autism groups into a unified, statewide coalition. Her vision has helped build a stronger Autism Society of Maryland, rooted in collaboration, community, and inclusion.
In Howard County and beyond, Melissa is a recognized and respected voice. She serves on the Local Children’s Board of Howard County, the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts Board, and is a proud graduate of Leadership Howard County. On a statewide level, she helps shape policy as a member of the Maryland Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism-Related Needs.
With kindness, thoughtfulness, and sincerity, Melissa works alongside AUSOM’s board, staff, and volunteers, and the organization’s community partners to make possible meaningful employment, independent living, quality education, social connection, inclusion, and acceptance for autistic individuals and their families. Melissa is also a powerful connector—building connections among autistic individuals, their families, service providers, community agencies, businesses, law enforcement, legislators, and others to create enduring change in our community.
We’re honored to have Melissa leading the way, and we thank The Arc Maryland for recognizing her invaluable work and unwavering dedication. She is more than deserving of this award—and we are grateful every day for her leadership.
