Westport, Connecticut, January 19, 2017
Matthew DeCamara crossing the finish line at the Boston Marathon, a race he ran in support of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.
SeriousFun Children's Network has named Matthew DeCamara as its new Chief Development Officer (CDO). DeCamara comes to SeriousFun from United Way Worldwide. At SeriousFun, he will lead the Network's development and fund-raising initiatives, with a focus on advancing strategic priorities that increase support and grow revenue. SeriousFun Children's Network, founded by actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, is a community of 30 camps and programs around the world that offer life-changing camp experiences to children with serious illnesses and their families, always free of charge. DeCamara assumes official responsibilities as CDO on January 23.
"I have long been inspired by the mission and model of SeriousFun Children's Network," said DeCamara. "There are so many children around the world whose lives are profoundly affected by serious illness, and they often miss out on the fun and friendship of childhood. The whole focus of this Network is to help these children and their families regain a sense of joy, hope and confidence and it's an honor to be part of something so truly transformative."
During his time at United Way Worldwide, DeCamara held a number of roles leading business development and global initiatives, most recently serving as Vice President of Corporate Relations working with many Fortune 500 companies. United Way is the largest privately-funded nonprofit network in the world. Prior to United Way, DeCamara oversaw international philanthropy at the GE Foundation.
In addition to this professional alignment with the Network's model and strategies, DeCamara has spent years supporting SeriousFun's efforts, having served as a volunteer counselor at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, one of the Network's member camps, since 2010 and raising funds for the camp through participation in both Angel Ride and the Boston Marathon.
"We are so pleased to welcome Matt to the SeriousFun family," said Blake Maher, Chief Executive Officer, SeriousFun Children's Network. "The support of our partners, donors and friends is critical to ensuring that all of our camps and programs have what they need to provide these life-changing experiences to children and families. Matt's professional experience is perfectly in line with the needs of our organization and we are excited about the knowledge, perspective and enthusiasm that he brings to our development team."
DeCamara received his MBA from Boston College with a dual concentration in Marketing and Strategic Management, and received his BA in Political Science from Villanova University.
