One Hope United Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

One Hope United has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, financial management, and organizational development.

Dedicated to empowering children and families, One Hope United delivers essential early childhood education and community-based intervention programs to foster long-term stability and growth across diverse populations.

Leadership Roles at One Hope United

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Damon Cates
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Bishal Maskey
  • Chief Operating Officer - Sarah Tunning
  • President & Founder - Gwendolyn Johnson
  • Damon Cates - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Damon Cates, the President & Chief Executive Officer at One Hope United, directs the overarching strategic vision for all human service initiatives. Overseeing the expansion of early childhood education and intervention programs, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the mission of supporting vulnerable families. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving organizational excellence across the Midwest. By prioritizing sustainable growth and community impact, Damon Cates directly influences the efficacy of prevention services. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for program quality while navigating the evolving landscape of social services. Through consistent focus on operational integrity, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary for long-term success. Cates champions innovation in service delivery, ensuring that every initiative meets the specific needs of the communities served by the organization.

    Bishal Maskey - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Bishal Maskey, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at One Hope United, architects the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. Overseeing the budgeting, accounting, and long-term financial planning, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures the sustainability of all prevention and intervention programs. This leadership role involves managing complex funding streams and reporting to the board on fiscal performance. By implementing robust financial controls, Bishal Maskey protects the assets required to support early childhood education initiatives. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer analyzes economic trends to guide investment in community-based programs. Maskey drives transparency in financial operations, ensuring that every dollar directly benefits the families served. Through strategic management of capital, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer provides the stability necessary for the organization to fulfill the mission of empowering children.

    Sarah Tunning - Chief Operating Officer

    Sarah Tunning, the Chief Operating Officer at One Hope United, manages the daily execution of community-based programs and internal service delivery systems. Overseeing the operational infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes resource allocation to maximize the reach of intervention services. This leadership role requires constant coordination with regional directors to ensure consistent quality across all service sites. By streamlining administrative workflows, Sarah Tunning enhances the capacity of the organization to support children and families effectively. The Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to identify areas for improvement in service accessibility and program outcomes. Tunning drives efficiency in the delivery of early childhood education, ensuring that operational processes remain agile and responsive to changing community demands. Through meticulous oversight of daily functions, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the high standards required for effective human service provision.
    Sarah Tunning

    Gwendolyn Johnson - President & Founder

    Gwendolyn Johnson, the President & Founder at One Hope United, shapes the foundational values and long-term legacy of the organization. Overseeing the preservation of the core mission, the President & Founder guides the strategic direction of community-based programs and intervention services. This leadership role involves fostering deep connections with community partners and stakeholders to ensure the continued relevance of the organization. By championing the original vision of supporting children and families, Gwendolyn Johnson maintains the focus on high-impact social services. The President & Founder provides mentorship to the executive team, ensuring that the organizational culture remains rooted in the commitment to early childhood education. Johnson drives the development of new initiatives that address emerging needs within the community. Through consistent advocacy and leadership, the President & Founder secures the enduring influence of the organization in the human services sector.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding One Hope United Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads One Hope United?
    One Hope United is led by Damon Cates (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Bishal Maskey (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Sarah Tunning (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of One Hope United’s executive team?
    The executive team of One Hope United includes leaders such as Damon Cates (President & Chief Executive Officer), Bishal Maskey (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Sarah Tunning (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does One Hope United have?
    One Hope United has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in One Hope United’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of One Hope United includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President & Founder.