Volunteers of America Northern New England (VOANNE) announced today that Richard Hooks Wayman has been named the human service organization’s new president and CEO, effective May 30, 2018. He assumes leadership from June Koegel who has led the organization since 1992.
Ms. Koegel has accepted a position as Chief Operating Officer with Volunteers of America’s national office in Alexandria, Virginia, where she will oversee operations for the 33 VOA affiliates nationwide. Ms. Koegel leaves a legacy of thirty housing and social service programs in Maine and New Hampshire.
Mr. Hooks Wayman most recently served as National Executive Director of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) in Washington, D.C. In that capacity he led the organization’s national advocacy efforts to end child poverty, ensure access to quality affordable health and mental health coverage, and improve the well-being of America’s children. Prior to joining CDF, Mr. Hooks Wayman was the CEO of several nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts and Minnesota serving foster care youth, homeless youth, and children and adults with behavioral health disabilities. Mr. Hooks Wayman also served as a senior policy analyst with the National Alliance to End Homelessness in Washington, D.C. and is the author of the Minnesota Homeless Youth Act. A graduate of the University of Iowa College of Law, Mr. Hooks Wayman is an attorney and currently is an advisor to the American Bar Association’s Commission on Homelessness and Poverty.
Mr. Hooks Wayman’s passion for working with youth extends into his personal life. He and his husband have six adoptive children and three grown foster children.
“We are delighted to welcome Rich and his beautiful family to VOANNE and Maine,” said Gail Evans, chair of the VOANNE Board of Directors. “Following our six-month nationwide search, we are confident that Rich’s experience, and dedication make him uniquely qualified to lead VOANNE into its next era of building creative partnerships and sustainable models to enable individuals challenged by age, health, or circumstance to be secure and productive in the communities where they live.”
“I am honored and humbled to be selected as the next president and CEO of Volunteers of America Northern New England,” said Hooks Wayman. “I was drawn to the agency because of its history of responding to community needs and its dedication to helping people reach their full potential. High quality care, personal service, and its ministry of service are evident in all their programs. It is an exciting time to join VOANNE as we celebrate twenty-five years of partnership with law enforcement through Camp POSTCARD and prepare to open twenty-one forever homes for veterans and their families. I am thrilled to relocate our family to Maine, a state known for close community ties, generosity of spirit, and unparalleled outdoor resources for our children.”
A passionate and creative public advocate and non-profit executive, Mr. Hooks Wayman brings deep knowledge of capacity building and accountability to his position and is viewed by board and staff alike as a perfect fit to the needs and culture of VOANNE.
About Volunteers of America Northern New England
As a respected leader in social services in the Northern New England area, Volunteers of America continues to develop innovative approaches in caring for people in need and building stronger communities. Volunteers of America Northern New England operates community-based affordable housing for seniors and persons with disabilities, develops innovative services to connect persons with disabilities with employment and community supports, offers justice programs to transition individuals from correctional programs into community life, offers supportive housing to veterans, and operates a youth camp in partnership with law enforcement that has been replicated in four other states. As a charter member of the largest non-profit provider of affordable housing in the nation, Volunteers of America Northern New England provides over 550 affordable homes for seniors and persons with disabilities.
For more information about Mr. Hooks Wayman click here.
