Don Hammond Named President and CEO of United Ways of Dutchess and Orange Counties

Don Hammond, who has served in executive capacities for national and regional nonprofit organizations for more than 25 years, is the new president and CEO of United Ways of Dutchess and Orange Counties. The appointment is effective immediately, said Sheila Appel, the chair of the Board of Governors of the merging United Ways.

“Don Hammond comes to our organization with an excellent and extensive background in nonprofit management,” said Appel. “Under his leadership United Way will develop and implement a structure that has a greater impact on community through more effective and efficient programming and fundraising.”

The United Ways merger process began last October with the vote to proceed by the two organizations’ boards. Strategic organizational work included gaining approval of the legal aspects of the merger that involve United Way Worldwide, the IRS, the New York Attorney General and New York Department of State. Organizational and operational aspects of the merger are expected to be completed by June 30, the end of the 2010-2011 fiscal year. A full integration of the newly-combined organization is expected to be completed within the first three years of the merger.

“A combined United Way will enable us to better address pressing community needs in the areas of Education, Income and Health and to improve the quality of services provided in both counties,” said Appel.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve two great communities in Orange and Dutchess counties,” said Hammond. “As the President and Chief Executive Officer for United Way, I look forward to working with residents, volunteers, and the nonprofit and business communities to determine ways we can work together to build on the assets we have and create new opportunities that will advance initiatives in Education, Income and Health. I am thrilled with the chance to find new and innovative ways to better serve our communities in our mission to Live United.”

Hammond comes to United Way from the post of chief operating officer for the Rockland County YMCA. He also has served as vice president of external affairs for the Episcopal Church Foundation, executive director of Bridges to Community, and vice president of Episcopal Relief and Development. In addition, he has held several senior positions with World Relief.

He is an adjunct professor at the School of Intercultural Studies at Nyack College and was previously an assistant professor in Mercy College’s School of Business as well as at Pace University where he taught nonprofit management courses and developed an internship program for international students.

Hammond is serving his second term as a board trustee for the Nyack Schools’ Board of Education. He holds his doctorate of Ministry in Urban Missions from Westminster Theological Seminary, a master of business administration degree from Iona College and a bachelor’s degree from Nyack College.