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
How this startup founder earned $200K in unrestricted, trust-based funding to transform KC’s relationship to food
Long-term community change comes one meal at a time, acknowledged one of Attane Health’s biggest supporters, reflecting on the Kansas City startup’s growth from the “spark of an idea to a full-fledged solution” — ultimately earning its founder a game-changing funding boost. The St. Louis-based Missouri Foundation for Health this month announced its inaugural Spark Prize…
Kauffman awards $5.8M funding pipeline to research how to close wealth gaps in KC, beyond
Eight newly announced research grants from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation are expected to help catalyze research-based efforts aimed at growing equitable economic mobility in Kansas City, regionally, and nationally. More than $5.8 million in research funding will be disbursed over the next three years through this first round of grantmaking through Kauffman’s new research…
Complex risks bring community kudos for creative entrepreneur honored by KC Chamber
Keisha Jordan didn’t know what saying “yes” to a job in Kansas City would unlock when she first relocated in 2020, she said, reflecting on a full-circle moment Tuesday after winning a top arts honor from the KC Chamber during its celebration of small business and entrepreneurs. “I trusted God, trusted the universe, and it’s…
KC’s top emerging business is brewing more than just beer at 18th and Vine, owners say
Winning the Emerging Small Business Award is validation that Vine Street Brewing Co. — Missouri’s first Black-owned brewery — is tapped into what the community wants and needs, two of its owners said Tuesday. “It signifies we’re moving along with purpose and that we can really lean into our goals,” explained Annie McGinnis, co-owner and…