Powerful Transitions

Graham Windham, a 200-year-old children and youth services agency recently announced a leadership transition to its first Black CEO. Jess Dannhauser, Graham's former CEO and Kimberly Watson, Graham's new CEO shared lessons from this transition with Greater NY's network in a conversation with Melinda Wolfe, a seasoned HR and diversity executive and Partner to Jess Dannhauser in Greater NY.

Transparency

“Tell people they can do the job and ask them what they need.”

Honesty

“The moment I took over Graham would become a Black-led organization.”

Trust

“Being able to see difference and talk about it. That’s really where trust plays a role.”

The full video of the conversation can be seen here.

Jess Dannhauser is the Commissioner of the Administration for Children's Services and the former President & CEO of Graham Windham; Kimberly "Kym" Watson is the President & CEO of Graham Windham; Melinda Wolfe has served as chief people officer and led talent at companies including GLG, Pearson, Bloomberg, American Express and Goldman Sachs and now at the digital learning company 2U.