Announcements
Kristin Dionne Named Chief Executive Officer of Green Chimneys
February 1, 2024Green Chimneys Board of Directors appoints long-time member of the agency management team as Chief Executive Officer.
Kristin Dionne has been announced as Chief Executive Officer of Green Chimneys. Stepping into this prominent role in the service of children and families, she is only the fourth individual in the agency’s 76-year history to lead the organization founded by visionary Dr. Samuel “Rollo” Ross.
Kristin Dionne’s 30-year career has been dedicated to the nonprofit sector. She joined Green Chimneys in 2007 as director of development, working directly with Dr. Ross to ensure a robust fund development strategy and a growing donor base. Dionne soon joined the organization’s management team and was later promoted to associate executive director of development, and managing director of The Friends of Green Chimneys. She was tapped to serve as Interim Executive Director in June 2023, assuming oversight of all agency operations and growth for the 800-person organization.
Dionne has the unique distinction of having worked closely with each of Green Chimneys’ previous chief executives. Her institutional knowledge, depth of nonprofit experience, and sound management skills have played a vital role in framing Green Chimneys’ vision and mission and in developing strategy, support, and resources for the organization. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Dionne has built strong relationships within the surrounding community, among industry peers and with agency stakeholders, leading her staff in raising millions of dollars in private and public funding to support vital programming for the children, families, and animal partners in Green Chimneys care.
“Green Chimneys’ 76 years of operation is a testament to its strength, adaptability and constant course for success, and Kristin Dionne has had a critical role in this.” said Board President Bob Vetere. “Her 16-year tenure and her experience working directly with each of our former leaders – Dr. Samuel Ross, Joe Whalen and Dr. Ed Placke – adds to this foundation. This is an exciting next phase for Green Chimneys.”
Prior to joining Green Chimneys, Dionne served as associate executive director of Hartley House, a settlement house and social services organization in New York City, where she oversaw strategy, program development and evaluation, and identification and acquisition of resources for all organizational offerings. She began her career as a program manager for Habitat for Humanity, working with its national and international entities to advocate for and build affordable housing through coordination with local businesses, government agencies, and volunteers. She later served as annual fund manager for Food Lifeline in Seattle, WA, raising awareness and funding to provide food to families in need throughout western Washington State.
Dionne has a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies in the Great Books from St. Anselm College, and holds Master’s degrees in Public Administration and Social Work from Marywood University. She also holds a Certificate of Non-Profit Management from Columbia University School of Business. She resides in Dutchess County with her family.
Learn more about the foundation of Green Chimneys and its leadership team
