Kauffman Foundation adds chief IT officer to CEO’s cabinet; role will use tech to open access, opportunities
December 12, 2024 | Startland News Staff
A Kauffman Foundation tech veteran is expected to help align the organization’s technology priorities in support of its mission to reduce barriers in college access, workforce development, and entrepreneurship, said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace.
Donell Hammond, who joined the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in 2018, has been named chief information technology officer and a member of the CEO’s cabinet.
Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace speaks during the Sept. 19 Spark event at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News
“Donell’s leadership and expertise ensures that technology not only supports but accelerates the Foundation’s local and national impact,” said Burns-Wallace, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation. “He leads a team that works to streamline operations and secure our tech infrastructure, systems performance, and service delivery. Most importantly, he takes a people-first approach to connecting us with the tools and trends that are transforming our working landscape.”
Hammond notably is a 2022 graduate of the Centurion Program and a finalist for the Kansas City ORBIE Award, the premier technology executive recognition program in Greater Kansas City, which honors CIOs who have demonstrated excellence in technology leadership.
His work at the Kauffman Foundation focuses on the seamless integration of technology to enhance its efforts to increase access and opportunities for communities locally and nationwide, according to a press release from the influential grantmaking organization.
“Hammond serves as a mentor to the next generation of information technology innovators outside of the Kauffman Foundation as well,” the release said. “He works to span the digital divide that limits communities’ access to advanced technology and serves on community boards focused on digital equity and community impact.”
A native of Junction City, Kansas, Hammond earned his associate’s degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations, from Kansas State University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from Friends University, and a Master of Science degree in Information Systems and Technology Management from Capella University.
He moved to Kansas City in 2011.
“This is an exciting time for everyone at the Foundation who has had a hand in updating our strategic plan and unveiling our grantmaking philosophy,” Hammond said. “I’m especially proud of the role our technology team played to support that effort. I look forward to having the tools and processes in place to align our work with our mission, stay connected to our community, and support the legacy of Mr. Kauffman.”
Featured Business
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Café Equinox propagates new year-round Liberty location; Nelson brothers taking perennial coffee concept evergreen
Café Equinox initially was meant to operate its coffee shop concept only during the equinox, nestled inside Family Tree Nursery greenhouses, said Jonah Nelson. “From September through March when people don’t have that warm outside space, they can come to the greenhouse,” said Nelson, who operates the family-owned garden centers with his brother, Jessie. “It…
KC Tech Council shuffles tech veterans among key board positions; their goal: keep KC tech competitive
A leadership transition at the top advocacy group for Kansas City’s tech community aims to continue the organization’s mission, while opening even more doors for companies across the region that are brimming with innovation. “We plan to broaden our collective impact within the region by providing new opportunities through policy advocacy, tech talent development, catalyzing…
Pilot program targets $50K ops grants to culturally-driven orgs, businesses in the arts
Small arts programs across the region could receive a $50,000 grant from a new pilot program that aims to provide vital sustainability funding for arts-centric businesses and organizations that often fall through the cracks. Applications for the Cultural Sustainability grants are open through 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10. The program plans to give general operating…
10 Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2025
It’ll be a year for entrepreneurs on a mission. Many of the startups poised to make eye-catching headlines in 2025 also are working toward a better future — for the earth, for mothers, for people who love their pets, for Kansas Citians who’ve embraced the city’s craft community, and even for sports enthusiasts honing their…