The National Newspaper Publishers Association Fund (NNPA Fund) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelly P. Hodges as its new Executive Director, effective immediately, as the organization celebrates its 50th Anniversary and looks ahead to a new era of growth and impact.
Hodges brings more than 20 years of distinguished experience as a philanthropic executive, nonprofit leader, communications strategist, and higher education professional. She is widely recognized for advancing mission-driven organizations through strategic planning, major-gift fundraising, public relations, community engagement, and student-success initiatives. Known for her collaborative leadership style and ability to translate vision into measurable results, Hodges joins the NNPA Fund at a pivotal moment in its history.
In her role as Executive Director, Hodges will lead the NNPA Fund’s philanthropic, educational, and capacity-building initiatives in support of the 200-plus Black-owned newspapers that comprise the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). Her leadership will focus on expanding fundraising efforts, strengthening partnerships, increasing national visibility, and advancing programs that preserve and sustain the historic legacy of the Black Press while preparing it for the future, particularly as NNPA–Black Press of America approaches its historic 200th anniversary in 2027.
“Kelly P. Hodges is an exceptional leader whose experience, integrity, and strategic vision make her uniquely qualified to serve as Executive Director of the NNPA Fund,” said Karen Carter Richards, Chairman of the NNPA Fund. “As we celebrate the Fund’s 50th Anniversary, Kelly’s proven track record of fundraising excellence, nonprofit leadership, and communications expertise will be instrumental in expanding our impact and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Black Press. We are confident that her leadership will elevate the NNPA Fund to new levels of growth, visibility, and effectiveness.”
“The Black Press has been the conscience of America for nearly two centuries, and as we move toward the 200th anniversary of NNPA–Black Press of America in 2027, this is a defining moment for our movement,” said Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., civil rights icon and President and CEO of NNPA–Black Press of America. “With the NNPA Fund marking its 50th Anniversary, Kelly P. Hodges brings the experience, vision, and commitment necessary to strengthen the Fund’s mission and ensure that Black-owned media institutions not only endure, but thrive for generations to come.”
Previously, Hodges served as Regional Director of Philanthropy for the Coast Guard Foundation, where she led comprehensive fundraising strategies across the Heartland region. During her tenure, she raised more than $2.5 million, secured major gifts from Fortune 500 corporations and high-net-worth individuals, and managed a donor portfolio of more than 150 supporters. Hodges also served in senior philanthropic and executive leadership roles across national and community-based organizations, including the YMCA of Greater Houston, where she exceeded fundraising and operational goals, increased revenue and membership, expanded youth sports participation, and established key community partnerships.
Her career also includes leadership positions with the American Heart Association, Sisters Network® Inc., and UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she led communications, health equity initiatives, national partnerships, and multimillion-dollar programs. Notably, she raised more than $500,000 for national programs at Sisters Network® Inc., expanded its constituent base from 5,000 to more than 20,000, and increased the Combined Federal Campaign by 30 percent. Hodges is also an Adjunct Professor at Lone Star College North