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
RECAP: 1 Million Cups panel offers decision-making advice
Three entrepreneurs took the stage at 1 Million Cups this week to offer advice on navigating the tough world of entrepreneurship. Alex Altomare, co-founder of BetaBlox, Linda Buchner, co-founder and president of Minddrive, and Ben Kittrell, co-founder and CTO of Doodlekit, all spoke about the variety of hard choices entrepreneurs face. On handling tough decisions……
Sprint Accelerator startup raises $85K (and counting)
Hidrate, a startup at the Kansas City-based Sprint Mobile Health Accelerator, rapidly surpassed its fundraising goal before a pitch to investors and nearly 2,000 Kansas Citians. The Minneapolis-based company’s Kickstarter campaign has already raised nearly $85,000 in two days, which more than doubles its goal to fundraise $35,000 in 42 days. Hidrate created a Bluetooth-enabled water bottle that tracks…
Sprint Accelerator Demo Day preview (part III)
The second class of the Sprint Mobile Health Accelerator is gearing up for its much-anticipated Demo Day, which serves as a culminating event and is expected to draw a crowd of nearly 2,000 people. Led by Boulder-based Techstars, the Kansas City-based accelerator is now hosting 10 mobile health tech startups from around the world for its…
KC finance tech firm Lending Standard nabs nearly $500K
Kansas City-based Lending Standard recently raised nearly $500,000 to further develop its software and hire additional employees. The financial tech company snagged the funds from regional investors, and with it has hired two additional technical staff, bringing its total headcount to eight people. Lending Standard created a platform on which organizations can receive and collaborate…