MEET THE CEO
NEW LEADERSHIP FOR BALTIMORE PUBLIC MARKETS
Shaina A. Hernandez, former Deputy Chief of Staff of the State of Maryland, has begun her tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Baltimore Public Markets Corporation!
Shaina comes to the markets as an accomplished economic development leader with deep experience building partnerships that strengthen Maryland’s business and community landscape.
Over the course of her career, Shaina has worked in the non-profit sector and in appointed positions at the highest levels of state and local government, leading teams tackling some of the state’s largest and most pressing issues. As Governor Wes Moore’s Deputy Chief of Staff, she led the administration’s work across several policy and operational areas including transportation, emergency management, housing, the environment, and energy.
Shaina’s career reflects a consistent focus on solving problems and breaking down barriers to ensure that prosperity reaches every neighborhood across the state. A long-time Baltimore resident, she now brings that vision and expertise to the Baltimore Public Markets, helping guide one of the city’s most enduring civic institutions into a new era of shared opportunity.
“The markets have long been a gathering place for deep connection in the communities they serve and beyond. The markets ARE Baltimore, and I look forward to balancing the nurturing of that sacred space of connection with our eternal mission to maintain food equity and security while supporting our host of small business owners. Small changes can make big sparks.”
-Shaina Hernandez
As CEO, she will oversee Baltimore’s nonprofit network of five historic public markets, including the recently revitalized Lexington Market, advancing their mission to serve as go-to city markets, cultural anchors, and platforms for inclusive entrepreneurship across the city.
About Shaina
Shaina A. Hernandez was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff for Maryland Governor Wes Moore in January of 2023. In this capacity, she led the administration’s work across several policy and operational areas including transportation, emergency management, housing, the environment, and energy. In 2024, Shaina served as the lead for the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and recovery operation, coordinating between partners across all levels of government to fully re-open the Port of Baltimore just 11 weeks after the collapse. She also oversaw the creation of Governor Moore’s signature vacant housing reduction program, Reinvest Baltimore, which recently awarded $50 million to community development organizations in some of Baltimore’s most vulnerable neighborhoods, and led the effort to shore up the state’s Transportation Trust Fund during the state’s most recent legislative session.
Previously, Shaina served as Senior Advisor for Policy for Howard County Executive Calvin Ball where she spearheaded major projects to expand local entrepreneurship, support small businesses, and modernize infrastructure. Earlier in her career, worked at the Greater Baltimore Committee where she led the organization’s work around creating a better business environment, modernizing the state’s tax structure, and improving opportunities for justice-involved individuals. She also served in various roles within the office of former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley.
Shaina is proud alumnae of the University of Maryland, College Park, as well as a graduate of the AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps program. She and her husband reside in Baltimore City with their children.
About Baltimore Public Markets
Baltimore Public Markets Corporation (BPMC) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization established in 1995 that is dedicated to managing Baltimore’s five public markets – Lexington, Broadway, Northeast, Avenue and Hollins – and bringing healthy food to neighborhoods across the city.
The Baltimore Public Markets system is the oldest and only remaining system in the country. Each market reflects the community in which it resides and has evolved to meet the needs of today’s residents and local workers. BPMC is governed by a Board of Directors and funded by merchant fees, private donors, foundation grants, the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland.