CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--After an extensive national search, One Hope United (OHU) announces the appointment of Damon Cates, EdD as its new President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Cates had been serving as Interim President & CEO since August 2023.
“Four months ago, the OHU Board of Directors embarked on a search for the next President & CEO to increase access to quality early childhood education, improve child welfare outcomes, and expand mental health services,” said Chris Hoffman, Chair of the OHU Board of Directors. “We are delighted that our search led us to Damon Cates, who is the right leader for the job.”
OHU’s Board of Directors was impressed by Damon’s key accomplishments in his interim role, including his leadership on fundraising at the state and federal level, strengthening relationships with legislative leaders in Illinois, Florida and at the federal level, leading the organization through its COA accreditation process and initiatives to strengthen collaboration and teamwork throughout the organization, and helping shape and share the One Hope United story. Cates accomplished all this while continuing his role as Chief Advancement Officer.
“I’m thrilled that I will be able to continue to join you all in this fight to expand children and family services nationwide, build upon the strong legacy of the organization and lead us effectively toward our next generation of impact,” said Cates.
“Damon creates an atmosphere where collaboration and teamwork can flourish, which is what you need in an organization that relies on ingenuity and creativity to grow and thrive,” said Jerry Haralson, CEO Transition Committee leader and board member.
As a trusted children and family services provider, OHU has been asked to offer additional support in both Florida and Illinois. Under Cates’ leadership, OHU is ready to answer that call and meet the growing need for quality child-focused programming through The OHU Promise, a commitment to increase the number of children and families served from 10,000 to 15,000 by 2030, while growing revenue from $75 million to $125 million at the same time.
“Please join us in extending a warm ‘Thank You’ to Cates as he continues his impactful work for One Hope United through his new official role as CEO,” says Hoffman. “We look forward to continued growth and reach under his leadership.”
About One Hope United
One Hope United (OHU) is a leading, complex, multi-site social service organization with a revenue of approximately $78 million in 2023 and a staff of 800. It serves 10,000 children and families each year in Illinois and Florida. Through education centers, child and family services, behavioral health resources, residential programs, and evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, One Hope United empowers children and families to see and create a future where, regardless of their past, they can reach their full potential.
Visit our website and learn how Hope Grows with Us at https://onehopeunited.org/.
About Damon Cates, EdD
Damon Cates, EdD joined One Hope United in July 2022 as Chief Advancement Officer. In August 2023, Cates stepped in as Interim President & CEO, where he led the development of long- and short- term strategies, managed overall operations and resources, and served as OHU’s primary spokesperson.
Cates has earned a BA from Millikin University, an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and an EdD from the University of Pennsylvania. He joined OHU after more than 16 years at the University of Chicago where he led alumni relations and development programs for several of the University’s academic units. Cates has also held leadership fundraising positions at the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University.
Beyond his current impact on OHU’s success, Cates is a sought-after speaker who regularly presents at fundraising conferences. He has published articles on enhancing constituent engagement and building organizational capacity. Cates was also appointed by Governor JB Pritzker to the Illinois Youth Budget Commission in 2023.
