Three Mercy Alumnae Named as Influential Marylanders

BALTIMORE – Three graduates of Mercy High School—1985 graduate Mary Beth Lennon, president of Mercy High School; 1988 graduate Lenora Henry, executive director of the American Red Cross of Central Maryland; and 1998 graduate Sarah Christa Butts, vice president of government relations at Service Coordination, Inc.—have been named to The Daily Record’s 2026 list of Influential Marylanders. In the announcement of this year’s honorees, The Daily Record notes, “This year marks the program’s 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of recognizing the exceptional leaders whose vision, innovation and service have helped shape Maryland’s business, civic and nonprofit communities.” Influential Marylanders are selected by the editors of The Daily Record through a nomination process.

 

Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/The Daily Record, remarked, “This year’s honorees are such an impressive group of leaders, and they are examples for everyone to emulate. We at The Daily Record are pleased to honor this year’s Influential Marylanders.”

 

Mary Beth Lennon, president of Mercy High School and a member of the Class of 1985, says, “It is truly remarkable—and a wonderful tribute to the Sisters of Mercy and their colleagues—that three Mercy graduates are honored as 2026 Influential Marylanders! For 65 years, Mercy High School has empowered Mercy Girls to become Women of Mercy, leading in their professions and the larger community. A Mercy education is truly lifechanging.” Now in her 13th year as president of Mercy High School, Lennon has led the renewal of the school, a recognized leader in secondary education for girls and an important institutional anchor in Baltimore. A trustee of the Maryland Center for History and Culture, she has previously served on the boards of Loyola Blakefield, St. Francis of Assisi School, and Baltimore Heritage.

Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Central Maryland Lenora Henry, Mercy Class of 1988, leads community engagement and Red Cross service delivery in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Harford, and Carroll counties. A current Mercy trustee, Henry has dedicated her career to public service that has touched the lives of thousands of Marylanders. Of this accolade, Henry notes, “I am truly honored to be recognized as a 2026 Influential Marylander. It is an incredible privilege to share this recognition alongside two outstanding Mercy High School alumnae. I am grateful for this honor and proud to stand with such inspiring women whose leadership and commitment continue to make a positive impact in our communities.”

A 1998 graduate of Mercy, Sarah Christa Butts, MSW, FNAP, is vice president of government relations at Service Coordination, Inc., where she leads state and federal advocacy efforts in support of people with disabilities, individuals with complex medical needs, and their families. Throughout her distinguished career in social work, social welfare, and public policy, Butts has dedicated herself to service and to strengthening the systems that help people access the essential services, supports, opportunities, and resources they need to thrive. Butts says, “I am deeply honored to join my alumnae sisters as an Influential Marylander. My approach to leadership is rooted in service, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the dignity and worth of every person. The teachings of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy who sponsor Mercy High School, continue to guide my life and work, inspiring me to be a ‘shining lamp’ for others through advocacy, service, and the pursuit of social justice. I am profoundly grateful to Mercy and I share this recognition with the mentors, colleagues, advocates, and family members whose support and partnership have illuminated my path.”

All Influential Marylanders will receive their awards at a ceremony in late September.