Open to opportunities

Don Howerton

@donhowerton

Message

Mission-driven nonprofit executive leader focused on fundraising, strategy, and community impact.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to lead a mission-driven organization where I can drive strategic goals, strengthen board and operations, and grow community impact through fundraising, outreach, and strong program and risk management.

I lead and manage mission-driven organizations, partnering with boards and staff to implement strategic goals and deliver on organizational mission. As an Executive Director and CEO, I oversee overall management, direct leadership, and day-to-day operations while aligning priorities to community needs.

I’m experienced in resource development and leadership, including fundraising, community and public relations, and creating momentum through committees and outreach. I also bring strong governance and operational discipline through board administration and support, financial, tax, and risk management, and organizational program planning.

My background goes beyond executive leadership: I’ve managed workforce and talent pipeline strategy, supervised adult learning programs, conducted audits and compliance reviews, and supported instructor development. I’ve worked across community partnerships and workforce boards, and I’m committed to continuous improvement through structured quality and development approaches.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Executive Director

United Way of the Coalfield

Mar 2019 - Mar 2022 (3 years)

Served as CEO and overall manager for United Way of the Coalfield, reporting to the Board of Directors and helping implement organizational strategic goals and mission. Oversaw staff and key functions including fundraising/resource development, community outreach and public relations, financial/tax/risk management, board administration, program planning, and general operations and human resources.

Executive Leadership Board Governance Strategic Planning Fundraising Resource Development Community Outreach Public Relations Financial Management Tax Management Risk Management Board Administration Program Planning Operations Management Human Resources

Talent Pipeline Project Manager

Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center

Sep 2018 - Mar 2019 (6 months)

Implemented employer-driven career pathways and developed strategy in consultation with workforce and education systems for a Southwest Kentucky region spanning thirty-four western Kentucky counties. Convened and facilitated employer collaboratives to engage education providers and create local talent pipelines.

Workforce Development Career Pathways Stakeholder Management

Senior Associate Administration

Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

Aug 1995 - May 2018 (22 years 9 months)

Supervised, developed, coordinated, and audited adult education programs, including adult learning center operations and related grant review and compliance processes. Managed program implementation with evaluative processes, instructor development, operational review including managed enrollment, and engaged in community partnerships and workforce training program work.

Adult Education Program Management Auditing Grant Review Compliance Program Implementation Community Partnership Workforce Programs

Certified Adult Education Instructor

Hopkins County Schools

Jun 1991 - Aug 1995 (4 years 2 months)

Served as a PACE (Parent and Child Education) Coordinator and Adult Education Instructor across various sites in Hopkins County. Worked as a migrant coordinator and delivered adult education instruction within local industry and surrounding communities.

Adult Education PACE Coordinator