Ottenhoff Stepping Down as President and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy
WASHINGTON, DC (Sept. 5, 2019) — The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) announced today that its president and CEO, Robert G. Ottenhoff will be stepping down, effective April 1, 2020. The board has hired Russell Reynolds, a global leadership search organization, to lead the national search for his replacement.
Ottenhoff joined CDP in 2012 as its first chief executive. Tapped for his entrepreneurial approach to the philanthropic sector, his depth of experience steered CDP. In less than a decade, 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.
“We are all grateful to Bob for his leadership that has grown and strengthened CDP, both in operations and in reputation,” 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. “He has given us a solid foundation to build upon and we are fortunate that Bob will participate in our seamless transition to a new era at a time when the need for innovative approaches to address natural and complex disasters worldwide is becoming ever more urgent.”
“It has been an honor and a privilege to have had the opportunity to lead CDP,” said Robert G. Ottenhoff, president and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. “I am confident that CDP is in a strong position for the future. We have a veteran, dedicated board of directors. Our staff is skilled and experienced. We have wonderful, generous donors and partners. It is a good time for me to begin the process of moving on.”
Prior to joining CDP, Ottenhoff spent a decade as president and CEO of GuideStar. He has more than 25 years of management experience in public broadcasting and high-tech companies, including nine years as chief operating officer of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
About the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP)
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s mission is to transform disaster giving by providing timely and thoughtful strategies to increase donors’ impact during domestic and international disasters. CDP is currently managing six 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.
CDP mobilizes philanthropy to strengthen communities’ ability to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur. It provides expert advice and educational resources, supports diverse coalitions and manages 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 X and LinkedIn.
