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
Major network provider taps SquareOffs for ‘Rant Offs’
SquareOffs recently landed a client that may place its web-based debate technology in front of millions of more people. The company partnered with digital media network Rant Inc. to offer its online debate and polling tech to engage Rant’s readers and increase their advertising revenue. “It’s one of the bigger contracts that we’re apart of,”…
Week of events creates startups, builds entrepreneurial community
The Kansas City entrepreneurial community is prepping for a week-long celebration of startups and entrepreneurship. 1WeekKC, which kicks off on May 29 and continues throughout the entire first week of June, will include a series of events created to empower entrepreneurs to come together, share ideas, get inspired, celebrate and connect. A group of community…
Techweek, Launch KC winners have shot at more money
The winning company at a demo day competition during Kansas City’s coming Techweek conference will earn a chance at nabbing significantly more dough. In addition to a $50,000 LaunchKC grant, the winning firm would have a shot at an added $50,000 from a national competition. LaunchKC — an initiative to attract 10 tech firms to relocate to Kansas…
KC coworking studios align to create cohesion, understanding
A cadre of Kansas City coworking studio leaders are working together to bring awareness to their trade through a new alliance. Twelve organizations thus far have banded together to collectively raise their profiles to attract more businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals to use the array of coworking studios in Kansas City. “Coworking is really starting to…