KaBOOM!, Inc. – the national non-profit dedicated to giving all kids the childhood they deserve filled with balanced and active play – today announced the appointment of KaBOOM! President James Siegal as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2016. Siegal succeeds Founder Darell Hammond, who announced in November that he would be stepping down as CEO after leading the organization for 20 years.
“I am delighted James is stepping into the CEO role,” said Hammond. “Over the past few years, his forward-thinking leadership has been instrumental in advancing our work and, as the dad of three young girls, he is incredibly passionate about ensuring all kids get the play-filled childhood they deserve. As we celebrate the organization’s 20th birthday this year, I am confident in his ability to lead KaBOOM! and continue to grow its impact in building equitable kid-friendly, family-friendly neighborhoods and cities filled with play.”
“Darell Hammond is a visionary leader who has built KaBOOM! into an enduring institution that, with his thoughtful planning, is positioned to thrive well into the future. I’m thankful that KaBOOM! will continue to benefit from his immense talent and wisdom and his unwavering dedication to kids,” said Siegal. “I recognize that I have big shoes to fill, but I’m energized by the faith Darell and the Board have in me and I’m excited to continue to work with my terrific colleagues and our wonderful partners to serve kids in need across the country.”
KaBOOM! Board Chair Ron Lumbra added, “Over the past four years, James has been a strong leader for the organization and a prominent voice for the importance of play in kids’ lives. With his deep experience, there is no one better positioned to lead KaBOOM!. We are thrilled that he has accepted this new role and look forward to him leading the organization into its third decade.”
Siegal joined KaBOOM! in April 2012 as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer and was named President in November 2014. Prior to KaBOOM!, Siegal served as Chief of Staff for the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that supports citizen engagement to address community challenges through AmeriCorps, the Social Innovation Fund and other programs. James has broad experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors, including serving as Vice President of Nonprofit Programs and Practice at the leading non-profit coalition, Independent Sector. He also served as Registration Section Chief and Assistant Attorney General at the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau and associate at the global law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. He is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School.
Contact:
Amy Levner
Vice President, Communications and Marketing
KaBOOM!, Inc.
202-464-6077
[email protected]