Donell Hammond

Donell Hammond is a visionary technology executive with over a decade of expertise in leading digital transformation, IT strategy, and innovation across both nonprofit and corporate sectors.

As the chief information technology officer at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Hammond plays a key role in advancing and aligning technology priorities in support of the Foundation’s mission to reduce barriers in college access, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. His leadership ensures that technology not only supports but accelerates the Foundation’s local and national impact by enhancing and supporting infrastructure, systems performance, and service delivery.

Hammond oversees critical areas such as technology operations, data management, enterprise applications, digital operations, and information security. His work ensures the seamless integration of technology in ways that empower the Foundation’s efforts to increase access and opportunities for communities locally and nationwide.

Before joining the Foundation, Hammond served as a Senior Interface Architect and Manager at Cerner Corporation, where he led international teams in developing system integration standards within the healthcare industry. His leadership style, which balances high-level strategic planning with a hands-on, results-oriented approach, has consistently delivered strong outcomes, including enhanced stakeholder satisfaction and the successful execution of critical goals.

Hammond holds an MBA in Information Technology from Capella University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Friends University. He is also a 2022 graduate of the Centurion Program and serves on community boards focused on digital equity and community impact.

Renowned for his ability to cultivate strategic partnerships and foster innovation, Hammond is deeply committed to mentoring and empowering IT teams. His focus on aligning technology with organizational priorities, combined with a collaborative and transparent leadership approach, has helped organizations navigate complex digital transformations while driving operational efficiency, resilience, and growth. Through his work, Hammond continues to ensure that technology serves as a strategic enabler for the Kauffman Foundation’s mission and vision.