Keith made his way to Shepherd after being recruited to play basketball. He was also in search of a quality social work program. After visiting several colleges, he knew Shepherd was the right choice.
During his time at Shepherd, his coaches challenged his discipline and work ethic, and his professors provided unconditional acceptance and guidance. Keith was involved with student life: from serving on Program Board to being a resident assistant and hosting a radio show with WSHC. Keith even met his wife, Janice (Yonosko) ’03, at Shepherd.
“Earning an athletic scholarship to Shepherd changed the trajectory of my life and opened doors of opportunity for me that continue to pay dividends,” said Keith.
After graduating from Shepherd with a Bachelor of Social Work degree, Keith began his career in Baltimore. Eventually, he returned to West Virginia to earn his Master of Social Work from West Virginia University and obtain his clinical license. He is approaching his 19th year at San Mar Family and Community Services near Hagerstown, Maryland, and his seventh year as president and CEO.
“It has been quite the journey to transform the 140-yearold organization away from traditional child welfare services to focusing on prevention and root causes,” said Keith.
Having many significant projects in his social work career, Keith notes that recently, Maryland Governor, Wes Moore announced the inaugural class of 27 ENOUGH grant recipients, an anti-poverty initiative. The Bester Community of Hope, an initiative he founded in early 2014 that focuses on upstream efforts to meet the needs of families and communities in the South End of Hagerstown, and a part of San Mar, was named Community Quarterback for a Track Three implantation grant.
“This amazing grant opportunity recognizes the unique needs facing diverse communities in Hagerstown,” said Keith. “ENOUGH will enable San Mar Family and Community Services to deeply address root causes of poverty such as housing and difficult living conditions. There is potential to bring up to 30 million dollars to revitalize that area over the next four years.”
In addition to the Hagerstown effort, he is leading another signature effort to transform the San Mark Boonsboro campus to include transitional apartments with wraparound services for young adults exiting foster care to ensure they have support and structure on their path to adulthood.
“There is no question that the lessons and opportunities that started at Shepherd helped those dreams become reality,” Keith said.
The Shepherd University Alumni Association celebrates Keith’s accomplishments. Shepherd Students Succeed!
Keith at a speaking engagement for San Mar.
Keith with Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
