UMOM’s Next CEO Announced
A letter from UMOM Board of Directors President Kris Newman
Hello, UMOM Family,
As you know, earlier this year, Darlene announced she will retire at the end of 2020. At that time, a leadership transition committee was formed to conduct a national search for her replacement. The search process was facilitated by Tower Hunter, a national executive search firm which specializes in placing executives at nonprofit organizations. A large initial candidate pool was narrowed down to a group of finalists who interviewed with the board’s leadership transition committee over the course of the past several weeks. The leadership transition committee made its recommendation to the board of directors, and I am pleased to announce that the board unanimously approved Jackson Fonder as the next CEO of UMOM New Day Centers.
Jackson, who currently serves as Catholic Charities President & CEO in Madison, Wisconsin, will return to Phoenix and officially join the organization on October 12, 2020.
Jackson has more than 25 years of leadership experience, developing and implementing strategic plans on behalf of nonprofit organizations as well as in the private sector. In addition to his current role, his experience includes leadership roles in the United States Air Force and as an Executive Director of USAA in Phoenix.
He has substantial experience in serving the most vulnerable population and brings a track record of innovation and building strong work cultures to UMOM. In addition to his undergraduate and graduate degrees, Jackson attended nonprofit leadership programs at Harvard Business School and Arizona State University.
Since her retirement announcement, Darlene has worked closely with the UMOM Board of Directors, the leadership transition committee, and the senior executive team on a comprehensive transition plan. In the coming months, Darlene and Jackson will work together to ensure a smooth transition both for UMOM’s success and the continuity of services for UMOM clients.
Over the past 18 years, Darlene has worked tirelessly to prepare UMOM New Day Centers for the future. Jackson will build upon the foundation that Darlene and her team have established and ensure the organization continues to be well-positioned to face the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Please join me in welcoming Jackson as we continue supporting the organization and its mission of ending homelessness.
Kris Newman
President, UMOM Board of Directors