Center for Disaster Philanthropy Names Patricia McIlreavy as Next President and CEO
Robert G. Ottenhoff stepping down after successful tenure of nearly eight years.
WASHINGTON, DC (Jan. 31, 2020) — The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) announced today that Patricia (“Patty”) McIlreavy will succeed Robert G. Ottenhoff as president and CEO of the organization. Ottenhoff is stepping down after a successful tenure of nearly eight years; he was CDP’s first chief executive. Under his leadership, CDP has grown into a leading transformative voice – informing and directing long-term philanthropic disaster resources where they are needed most, helping millions in need.
Serving as a member of its Advisory Council, McIlreavy was part of CDP’s progress. She is currently the vice president of humanitarian policy and practice at InterAction, an organization she joined in 2011 as senior director of humanitarian policy and practice. She leads InterAction’s efforts to assist the humanitarian community, including InterAction Members, UN agencies and the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, to address the needs of vulnerable populations.
Prior to joining InterAction, McIlreavy was based out of Amman, Jordan for three years where she worked with a diverse group of organizations, including humanitarian nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the Red Cross movement, United Nations agencies and NATO as an international management and training consultant. McIlreavy’s experience in the humanitarian field began in 1993 when she joined USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance.
“We are thrilled to have Patty join our team. She is a dynamic leader who is deeply skilled and well-respected in the disaster philanthropy community,” said Lori J. Bertman, chair of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy board and president and CEO of the Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation. “Her expertise in humanitarian assistance – both on the ground and in DC –coupled with her strong leadership skills will serve our organization well and help move our crucial mission forward.”
McIlreavy will join the organization on March 1 as part of a transition period with Ottenhoff.
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About the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP)
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s mission is to leverage the power of philanthropy to mobilize a full range of resources that strengthen the ability of communities to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur. CDP is currently managing six domestic and international Disaster Funds on behalf of corporations, foundations and individuals through targeted, holistic and localized grantmaking. For more information, visit: https://disasterphilanthropy.org, call (202) 464-2018 or tweet us @funds4disaster.
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy mobilizes philanthropy to strengthen communities’ ability to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur. It provides expert advice and resources while managing domestic and international disaster funds on behalf of corporations, foundations and individuals through targeted, holistic and localized grantmaking. Find out more at disasterphilanthropy.org and on Twitter @funds4disaster.