LA PLATA, Md. — The organization that has supported Charles County’s nonprofit community for nearly a decade now has a permanent home, and county commissioners ensured it will carry the name of the woman credited with helping build that foundation.
The Charles County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday, May 19, 2026, to lease county-owned property at 10250 La Plata Road to the Charles County Charitable Trust under a 15-year agreement at $1 per year and rename the facility the Vivian Mills Nonprofit Center in honor of the trust’s late founding executive director, Vivian H. Mills. The property was previously occupied by United Way of Southern Maryland.
Commissioners Recognize Mills’ Legacy
Commissioner Amanda Stewart introduced the naming proposal during the meeting and described Mills as a leader whose influence extended beyond Charles County.
“Her impact not just in Charles County, but in this region across the country was very impactful,” Stewart said.
Stewart said Mills helped strengthen collaboration among nonprofits that previously operated independently, helping shift the focus toward coordinated support for residents in need.
“I learned a lot from her about how to organize and how to manage a successful nonprofit,” Stewart said. “She showed people how to work together to ensure that our community was supportive of people in need of support.”
Stewart said the Charitable Trust was one of the accomplishments she remains most proud of from her first term and credited Mills with helping turn the concept into a lasting resource for the county.
Long History Supporting Southern Maryland Nonprofits
Before helping establish the Charitable Trust, Mills served in 2013 as Charles County coordinator for the College of Southern Maryland’s Nonprofit Institute, which was created to provide resources, training and support services to nonprofit organizations across the region.
During the institute’s launch, Mills emphasized the importance of nonprofits not only for community support but also for economic impact.
“The work of nonprofit organizations — across the nation, in Maryland and here in Charles County — directly influences the effective functioning of society, the economy and politics,” Mills said. “The nonprofit sector not only enhances quality of life but also contributes importantly to the area’s economic health.”
Trust Continues Work Under New Name
Mills played a key role in establishing the Charles County Charitable Trust in 2017 and remained executive director until retiring in 2021. Under her leadership, the organization expanded beyond grant distribution to include nonprofit education, collaboration and capacity-building efforts serving Charles County and the broader Southern Maryland region.
The trust later established the Vivian Mills Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize individuals whose long-term community service reflects Mills’ legacy. Mills passed away in late 2024, and Charles County officials lowered the county flag to half-staff in her honor.
In a statement posted to the Charles County Government website at the time of her passing, the Charitable Trust reflected on the depth of her contribution to the county she served.
“Her years of dedication to supporting nonprofits in a variety of roles in Southern Maryland and beyond have made a lasting impact on the nonprofit community and the people we strive to support every day,” the statement read. “Vivian’s passion for helping others was an inspiration to many. We at the Charitable Trust are honored to continue the important work Vivian began here for Charles County.”
Commissioners approved the lease agreement, new building name, updated signage and plans for a formal dedication event. The board also requested that Mills’ son be invited to participate in the unveiling ceremony.
County staff noted the lease had been publicly advertised for three weeks as required under state law and that no public comments were received during that period.
Current executive director Christie Burnett is also developing updated branding and signage that will reflect the center’s new identity
At a Glance
- New name: Vivian Mills Nonprofit Center
- Property: 10250 La Plata Road, La Plata, Md.
- Lease term: 15 years at $1 per year
- Charles County Charitable Trust website: charlesnonprofits.org
Watch the full May 19, 2026, meeting on CCGTV.
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