Interfaith Works Names James Mannarino Executive Director

Interfaith Works, one of the leading social service agencies in Montgomery County, Md., has selected James F. Mannarino as its new Executive Director. Interfaith Works is headquartered in Rockville, with multiple facilities providing services to our needy neighbors located throughout the region, including Montgomery Village, Gaithersburg and Silver Spring.

Mannarino has played an active role in the Montgomery County community for many years. He served for more than two decades with The Gazette newspaper, most recently as president and publisher. In that capacity, he earned a reputation as a team-builder and organizational leader. He has extensive experience collaborating with leaders in the local business, governmental and social services arenas.

Mannarino was raised in Montgomery County, and has had a lengthy involvement with Interfaith Works as both a personal supporter and a corporate partner. He worked with the organization’s leaders to help launch the Annual Companies Caring Breakfast, which over the past 17 years has become a high-profile gathering of the county’s top business, government and community leaders.

“We are thrilled James will be guiding Interfaith Works into the next era,” said Interfaith Works Board Chair Mary Ann Sestili. “The depth and breadth of his experience in our community will be a huge asset. As someone who has been part of our work for many years, he will be able to hit the ground running.”

Sestili also noted that his experience navigating the evolving publishing world during a time of intense change will serve him well. She said Interfaith Works aspires to reach a new level of service to low-income individuals in the face of growing need and significant economic challenges. While Montgomery County is among the most affluent areas in the U.S., on any given night, more than 1,000 men, women and children are homeless.                                                                    

“I am excited to be part of an organization with a long-standing history of doing essential work in the community,” Mannarino said. He noted that Interfaith Works has in place a talented, committed team of staff, board members, congregational supporters and volunteers. 

Throughout his career, he has been actively involved with community non-profits, including Montgomery County Business Roundtable for Education; Montgomery County Corporate Volunteer Council; Strathmore Hall Foundation; Universities at Shady Grove; the United Way of Frederick County; and Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.

Mannarino is a 2002 graduate of the Leadership Montgomery program. He graduated from Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Md., and the University of Maryland College Park. 

Interfaith Works, based in Rockville, Md., is one of Montgomery County’s leading social service organizations.  Each year, Interfaith Works helps more than 20,000 low-income and homeless neighbors move from crisis to stability through prevention, support and empowerment. 

For more information about Interfaith Works, go to

www.iworksmc.org