We are pleased to announce Katy Ryan as KinderMourn’s new Executive Director. Ryan will succeed Kelly Hamilton, who is retiring at the end of December after more than 30 years of leading the organization.

​

Katy brings more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership

and fund development to her new role with KinderMourn. For most of her

career, she has worked within health and human services, supporting and l

eading organizations focused on assisting children, adults, and families.

“What drew me to KinderMourn was its mission and how closely it aligns

with my personal and professional belief that a successful life is defined by

your commitment to serving others,” said Katy.

​

Before accepting this position, Katy led 24 Foundation, a Charlotte-based

cancer nonprofit, for more than four years. While there, she coordinated

all major events for the organization, managed a budget of over $1,800,000,

and helped facilitate the distribution of millions of dollars to local nonprofits

dedicated to helping individuals navigate the maze of a cancer diagnosis.

Prior to her role at 24, she served as Vice President of Alexander Children’s

Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Alexander Youth Network, an

organization dedicated to treating children with serious, often trauma-based,

emotional, and behavioral problems.

​

Katy received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Neuroscience from

Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, with a focus in early childhood trauma.

She was born and raised in Alaska and currently lives in Charlotte, NC, with

her husband, Steven, and has three stepdaughters, Amanda, Rebecca, and

Samantha.

​

We are thrilled to bring Katy into our organization. In her, we’ve found a passionate, committed, and experienced leader who will bring incredible expertise to her new role. We look forward to welcoming her to the team and getting to know her better in the coming weeks.

Katy will start at KinderMourn officially on January 9th.

​

Thank you for your continued support of KinderMourn and our mission. We are grateful to have all of you by our side as we begin this next chapter.

​

Sincerely,

Jeff Petillo

Chair, Board of Directors

KinderMourn