Special Olympics Executive and Leadership Team

Jennifer Haines, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Special Olympics, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Haines architects long-term growth initiatives while ensuring the nonprofit maintains its core mission of providing sports training for individuals with intellectual disabilities. By collaborating with the Board, the President & Chief Executive Officer aligns global resources to maximize participant impact. Jennifer Haines manages high-level partnerships that secure the financial and operational future of the organization. This leadership role involves navigating complex international landscapes to expand the reach of inclusive sports programs. Through rigorous oversight of organizational health, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable development across all regions. Ultimately, Haines secures the necessary support to maintain the quality and accessibility of athletic events, ensuring that every athlete receives the opportunity to demonstrate courage and skill on a global stage.

George Hergenhahn, the Chief Financial Officer at Special Olympics, manages the fiscal integrity and resource allocation for the entire organization. Hergenhahn oversees the budgeting processes that support year-round training and athletic events for participants with intellectual disabilities. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and accountability in all monetary operations. George Hergenhahn coordinates with regional leaders to optimize funding distribution across diverse geographic markets. This role involves analyzing economic trends to mitigate risks while identifying new revenue streams to bolster program sustainability. Through precise financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of sports activities globally. Hergenhahn maintains strict adherence to regulatory standards, providing the necessary stability for the nonprofit to thrive. By prioritizing fiscal efficiency, the Chief Financial Officer enables the organization to dedicate maximum resources toward the empowerment of athletes worldwide.

Derek Cain, the Chief Operating Officer at Special Olympics, directs the internal infrastructure and daily operational workflows of the organization. Cain architects scalable systems that facilitate the delivery of sports events for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that regional programs function with maximum efficiency. Derek Cain collaborates with executive leadership to translate strategic goals into actionable operational plans. This role involves managing the logistics of large-scale athletic competitions and training initiatives. Through the optimization of internal resources, the Chief Operating Officer drives improvements in service delivery across the global network. Cain monitors performance metrics to ensure that all activities align with the mission of fostering inclusion. By maintaining operational excellence, the Chief Operating Officer provides the foundation necessary for the organization to scale its impact and reach more participants in diverse communities.

Kathy Wilson, the Office of the Chief Operating Officer and President and Managing Director, Special Olympics Africa at Special Olympics, manages the intersection of global operational strategy and regional execution. Wilson directs the expansion of sports programs across the African continent, ensuring that training activities meet the specific needs of local communities. By bridging the gap between headquarters and regional teams, the Office of the Chief Operating Officer and President and Managing Director, Special Olympics Africa facilitates seamless communication and resource sharing. Kathy Wilson oversees the development of inclusive athletic initiatives that empower individuals with intellectual disabilities throughout the region. This leadership role involves cultivating partnerships with local stakeholders to increase program participation. Through the strategic management of regional operations, Wilson drives growth and enhances the visibility of the organization. By focusing on localized impact, the Office of the Chief Operating Officer and President and Managing Director, Special Olympics Africa ensures that the mission remains relevant and effective.

Dipak Natali, the Region President & Managing Director (Asia Pacific) at Special Olympics, directs all athletic and social initiatives throughout the Asia Pacific region. Natali architects regional strategies that increase the number of participants with intellectual disabilities engaged in year-round training. By fostering relationships with government bodies and corporate partners, the Region President & Managing Director (Asia Pacific) secures the support required for large-scale sports events. Dipak Natali oversees the implementation of inclusive programs tailored to the cultural nuances of the region. This leadership role involves managing diverse teams to ensure that every athlete receives high-quality coaching and competitive opportunities. Through the expansion of regional networks, the Region President & Managing Director (Asia Pacific) drives significant growth in program reach. Natali monitors regional performance to ensure alignment with global standards. By prioritizing local engagement, the Region President & Managing Director (Asia Pacific) strengthens the presence of the organization across the entire Asia Pacific territory.

Erin Zafian, the President at Special Olympics, directs the execution of key organizational initiatives that support the mission of inclusion. Zafian architects programs that enhance the quality of sports training for individuals with intellectual disabilities. By collaborating with other executive leaders, the President ensures that all activities remain consistent with the long-term goals of the organization. Erin Zafian oversees the development of outreach strategies designed to increase public awareness and participant engagement. This leadership role involves managing cross-functional teams to deliver impactful athletic events. Through the implementation of innovative training models, the President drives improvements in the overall experience for athletes. Zafian monitors the effectiveness of current programs to identify opportunities for growth and refinement. By maintaining a focus on excellence, the President supports the organization in its efforts to provide meaningful opportunities for participants to showcase their talents and build confidence through sports.

Ayman Wahab, the Regional President, Middle & Africa (East, North) at Special Olympics, directs the strategic development of sports programs across the Middle East and specific African territories. Wahab architects initiatives that provide consistent training and competitive opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities in these regions. By managing regional partnerships, the Regional President, Middle & Africa (East, North) ensures that local programs receive the necessary resources to thrive. Ayman Wahab oversees the coordination of athletic events that promote inclusion and social change. This leadership role involves navigating the unique challenges of the region to expand the reach of the organization. Through the effective management of regional operations, Wahab drives growth and increases the number of active participants. By focusing on regional stability and program quality, the Regional President, Middle & Africa (East, North) ensures that the mission of the organization is successfully implemented across diverse cultural landscapes.

Jocelyn Hong, the Co President of Duke Chapter at Special Olympics, directs the activities and outreach efforts of the university-based chapter. Hong architects local programs that connect students with athletes, fostering a culture of inclusion and support. By organizing training sessions and community events, the Co President of Duke Chapter ensures that the mission of the organization reaches the local student population. Jocelyn Hong manages the recruitment of volunteers and the coordination of athletic activities for participants with intellectual disabilities. This leadership role involves building bridges between the university and the broader community to enhance program impact. Through the effective management of chapter resources, Hong drives engagement and promotes the values of the organization. By focusing on grassroots involvement, the Co President of Duke Chapter contributes to the overall success of the nonprofit by building a pipeline of future advocates and supporters dedicated to the cause of inclusive sports.