Acme Paper CEO Ron Attman Discusses Jewish Federation's Community Impact and Antisemitism Response

Ron Attman, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Acme Paper, has taken on the role of Campaign Chair for The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore's Annual Campaign, bringing his extensive business experience and community commitment to the position. Attman, who started his career at the family-owned Acme Paper in 1968 and became CEO in 2014, oversees an organization that raises tens of millions of dollars annually to address critical community needs. His deep engagement with Baltimore's Jewish community includes previous leadership roles with Jewish Community Services, Jewish Vocational Services, and University of Maryland Hillel.

The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore strengthens Jewish life by engaging and supporting community partners through its Annual Campaign funding. According to Attman, the organization implements solutions that help care for those who are struggling, combat antisemitism, create a just and inclusive world, and ensure Jewish communities worldwide thrive. The dollars raised support a network of agencies that provide essential safety net services, including transportation to medical appointments for older adults, emergency loans for families facing housing crises, specialized support for children with learning differences, and overnight shelters for abuse victims.

Addressing the alarming rise in antisemitism represents a key priority for the organization, particularly given Maryland's ranking as sixth in the nation for antisemitic incidents last year. The Associated is committed to combating this trend through community education, interfaith dialogue, and security measures for Jewish institutions. Attman emphasized that beyond addressing immediate threats, the organization works to build mutual understanding and respect across racial, faith, and ethnic communities through targeted programming and conversations.

The business community plays a vital role in supporting The Associated's mission, and Attman encourages fellow business leaders to get involved through financial contributions, volunteer leadership, and corporate partnerships. As someone who has served on multiple boards including The Restaurant Association of Maryland and Network Associates, Inc., where he oversaw an organization of 72 independent distributors with combined sales of $6.9 billion, Attman understands the impact business leaders can have on community initiatives. The organization's work extends beyond the Jewish community to benefit broader Baltimore through neighborhood revitalization projects in Park Heights and efforts to tackle food insecurity across the region.

Attman's healthcare background, including his service as Northwest Hospital vice chair and secretary, informs his understanding of community needs and strengthens his ability to lead the campaign effectively. The Annual Campaign represents one of Baltimore's most significant philanthropic efforts, supporting both immediate crisis response and long-term community building. Through his leadership role, Attman aims to expand the campaign's reach and impact, ensuring that The Associated can continue its multifaceted work supporting vulnerable populations while strengthening the social fabric of the entire Baltimore community. More information about the organization's initiatives can be found at https://www.citybiz.co.