CHICAGO, March 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Easterseals, Inc. (Easterseals), one of the nation’s leading not-for-profit providers of service and advocacy for people with disabilities and their families, announced today Kendra E. Davenport was elected President & CEO. Through its national network of affiliates in communities across the country, Easterseals provides essential lifelong services and local support to more than 1.5 million people annually.
Kendra E. Davenport becomes President and CEO of Easterseals, Inc.
A search committee consisting of current and former Easterseals National directors and CEOs of Easterseals Affiliates, in partnership with Koya Partners, the executive search firm specializing in commissioned searches, conducted a rigorous nationwide search.
“Kendra’s strong track record as a leader and officer makes her the right person to lead Easterseals as we enter our second century of service to serve the needs of children and adults with disabilities across America,” said Dr. Alicia Georges, Chairman of the National Board of Directors of Easterseals. “Your ability to lead complex organizations will be of great benefit to us as we drive a strategic vision for our future in priority areas such as advocacy, network development, brand management and resource development in partnership with our 70 affiliated companies, which together make 1.5 serve millions of people. “
Davenport brings more than three decades of experience working exclusively in the nonprofit space. She has led several national development and communications portfolios, served as president of a nonprofit organization serving veterans’ families, and served as a philanthropy and communications consultant for several national and international nonprofit organizations.
Most recently, Davenport led global multichannel philanthropy efforts as Chief Development Officer of Operation Smile, an international nonprofit medical organization that provides free cleft lip and palate surgery. Davenport’s role has included corporate, mass market, direct response and digital fundraising, corporate gifts and planned donations, community engagement, special events and partnerships, private sector grants and government relations.
Working closely with C-Suite industry leaders, Davenport has developed and implemented a variety of mutually beneficial initiatives, including point-of-purchase sales programs, co-branded marketing and advertising campaigns, and a variety of special events. As philanthropy has evolved, it has helped numerous NGOs diversify their philanthropic portfolios to keep up with change and growth through the use of technology.
Davenport has extensive management experience having overseen more than 1,000 international employees in eighteen sub-Saharan countries while working for Africare, one of the largest African American founded and led non-profit organizations at the time. Much of Davenport’s career has been dedicated to facilitating the delivery of critical services and interventions at organizations that include the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Alliance, Goodwill Industries and The Arc Montgomery County.
“I’m thrilled to be working at Easterseals. In many ways, I think I’ve spent my entire career preparing for this role. I am committed to working nationwide with Easterseals partners to achieve 100% equity, inclusion and access for people with disabilities in their communities,” said Davenport. “I also look forward to championing Easterseals’ commitment to helping people with disabilities, as well as older workers and veterans who are transitioning from the military to the private sector, to provide training, placement and ultimately employment It is my great privilege and honor to lead Easterseals nationally and I look forward to continuing on his impressive journey to build an inheritance.”
Davenport earned a Masters of Policy Leadership from Georgetown University. She received her bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in Communication from Chestnut Hill College.
About Easter seal
Easterseals paves the way to full equity, inclusion and access through life-changing disability and community services.
For more than 100 years, we have worked tirelessly with our partners to improve quality of life and expand local access to healthcare, education and employment opportunities. And we will not rest until each of us is valued, respected, and accepted.
Through our national network of partners, Easterseals provides essential services and local support to more than 1.5 million people each year—from early childhood programs for the critical first five years, to autism services, medical rehabilitation and employment programs, to veteran services and more. Our public education, policy and advocacy initiatives positively shape perceptions and address the urgent and evolving needs of one in four Americans living with disabilities today.
Together we empower people with disabilities, families and communities to be full and equal participants in society.
SOURCE Easter seal
