DH: First, Kevin, congratulations on your upcoming elevation as Chairman of the Jawonio Inc Board of Directors.

KC: Thank you so much, I am really excited about it and look forward to getting started.

DH: We know you are a Minnesota native, and I understand you share a lifelong passion for the Minnesota Vikings with our Board Vice Chairman Doug Ward;

KC: Yes, and we are both eagerly anticipating the team’s first Super Bowl victory.

DH: It is always great to get to know our Board members and their career path, tell us about yours?

KC: My career began after graduating from Marquette University, when I moved to Guam to teach high school and enjoy the milder winters. I later shifted into the duty-free retail sector on the island, working with LVMH (DFS). This experience paved the way for my transition to the supplier side of the luxury fragrance and cosmetics business, joining Unilever (Elizabeth Arden) in New York City. Soon after, I entered the Media Industry, launching my current 30+ year career in television, digital, and print advertising with companies including Readers Digest, Time Inc, Turner Broadcasting, and Marathon Ventures.

DH: That sounds like a great trajectory. So tell us, after relocating from Guam to the New York City area – where did you land?

KC: I settled in Rockland and quickly became familiar with Jawonio’s positive community impact through friends and family. Beyond my involvement with Jawonio, my family and I have been major contributors and consistent supporters of the Rockland County Department of Social Services (Emergency Family Shelter) since 2009.

DH: How did you first become involved with Jawonio?

KC: I first became involved with Jawonio in January 2022 as a member of the Finance Committee, which allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s breadth and impact. In 2023, I joined the Board of Directors.

DH: That’s great. And from the Finance Committee role, how did you further engage with Jawonio?

KC: To further engage with and support Jawonio’s mission and community, I also volunteered my time on the Gala committee to assist with awareness and fundraising efforts. Additionally, I contribute to the Tech Oversight Committee, where I partner with both internal and external stakeholders to improve Jawonio’s technological infrastructure, preparedness, and security.

DH: What has Jawonio meant to you and your family? 

KC: Jawonio holds a special place in my family’s story, having provided essential preschool services and assistance to my three children. The successes they enjoy today would not have been possible without those vital early childhood programs. Early intervention is undeniably critical for advancing a child’s development—physically, intellectually, and emotionally.

DH: Based on your personal experiences, and now volunteer leadership roles, what does Jawonio mean to the community? 

Jawonio is a dedicated leader committed to providing compassionate, respectful, and inclusive lifespan services within the community. The organization actively advocates for individuals with disabilities and special needs, ensuring their voices are heard at the local, state, and national levels. By consistently advancing the independence, well-being, and equality of these individuals, along with their families and loved ones, Jawonio helps to foster a stronger, more compassionate community.

DH: Since the founding of Jawonio, the backbone has always been the staff and their dedication to people with special needs? You recently attended our Jawonio Longevity Awards event – what impact did this event have on you as a first-time Board attendee?

KC: It was an honor to attend the recent Jawonio longevity awards ceremony, recognizing individuals who have reached service milestones ranging from 5 to 35 years. The event was filled with inspiring stories and memories.  The energy, mutual support, and genuine love for their community work were palpable among the attendees. The entire Jawonio team consistently demonstrates commitment, compassion, and heart every day. This unwavering dedication is fundamental to the organization’s success. 

DH: What are you most looking forward to as Chairman and in working with your fellow Board Members? 

KC: Jawonio has a proud 79-year history, originally founded to support children with cerebral palsy. Today, the organization has evolved into a leading Hudson Valley provider of lifespan services for individuals facing disabilities, behavioral health challenges, and chronic medical conditions. I am committed to honoring the founders’ vision and the spirit of “independence” embedded in our name, ensuring the organization continues to be a place where so much good happens. I am confident that the Board of Directors and I will exceed the founding families’ expectations and make them proud of the legacy they created.

DH: Do you have goals or priorities you would like to share?

KC: As an organization where most of our funding comes from government programs, we are subject to numerous external pressures. Despite these challenges, it remains essential to consistently execute internal process improvement initiatives and capitalize on growth opportunities. Furthermore, we must continuously identify new opportunities that align with our mission of community service to ensure the organization’s success for the next 79 years.

DH: One last question, since 2022, do you have a favorite activity or memory so far of your involvement?   

It was undeniably a wonderful opportunity to kick off the first of what we hope will be many years of Brickapalooza. The great fun for me was playing the event mascot – Brickly!! Seeing so many smiling faces enjoying such a fantastic day on our beautiful New City campus was incredibly rewarding. The community came together to celebrate what makes Jawonio so special, providing an accessible and special day for families and friends to enjoy together in a beautiful environment. I can’t wait to for Brickly to make his next appearance this summer.

DH: Thank you Kevin!! You will be a wonderful Chairman and we look forward to your leadership in service of Jawonio, our staff, the individuals we support and our families.