News Release

Deidra N. Bishop, an East Baltimore native with more than 25 years experience in the government and non-profit sectors, has been appointed the Johns Hopkins Institutions' director of community affairs for East Baltimore.

Bishop will plan, direct and execute for Johns Hopkins a comprehensive approach to community issues in the neighborhoods surrounding the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions campus in East Baltimore.

Deidra Bishop PHOTO BY HPS/WILL KIRK

Bishop will help to coordinate Johns Hopkins' involvement in the East Baltimore Development Initiative's revitalization of the area just to the north of the campus, said Linda Robertson, vice president for government, community and public affairs at Johns Hopkins. She also will also initiate, coordinate or participate in a wide variety of other community and economic development projects, all with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life in East Baltimore, Robertson said.

"Deidra will represent Johns Hopkins to the community, of course. But she also will represent the community, its leadership and its residents to Johns Hopkins, making sure that our leaders understand the issues and advising them on appropriate strategies," Robertson said..

Prior to joining Johns Hopkins, Bishop served as executive assistant for transportation legislative affairs for the City of Baltimore's Department of Transportation. Her mission was to develop, monitor and implement legislative initiatives impacting transportation. She also served as liaison between the department and the Baltimore City Council, the Maryland General Assembly and the U.S. Congress.

Prior to returning to Baltimore City government in 2002, Bishop served as chief of staff to Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md.. She also has held positions with the Maryland Governor's Office of Children, Youth and Families, and with the Baltimore City Office of Employment Development. In the non-profit arena, she has held management positions with the Maryland Committee for UNICEF and the United Way of Central Maryland.

Bishop grew up on Lafayette Avenue in East Baltimore. She is a 1977 graduate of Morgan State University.

Note: A digital image of Bishop is available. Contact Dennis O'Shea.