Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On September 26, 2012 the Board of Directors of Howard Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") and its wholly owned subsidiary, Howard Bank, appointed Robert W. Smith, Jr. as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company and Howard Bank effective immediately. Mr. Smith will be a member of the Compensation Committee of the Company and Howard Bank, and will receive the same compensation as currently paid to our other Board members. Like all non-employee directors, Mr. Smith will be eligible to may make an election to have his director compensation paid in the form of cash or shares of common stock of the Company.

The Board of Directors did not elect Mr. Smith pursuant to any arrangements between Mr. Smith and the Company, Howard Bank or any other person. There are no significant transactions between Mr. Smith and the Company or Howard Bank.

The press release announcing Mr. Smith's appointment is attached as exhibit 99.1 hereto.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

99.1 Press Release dated October 2, 2012

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