Cherish Our Children, Inc (COCI) is pleased to announce Gerald “Dwayne” Bennett as the organization's new Executive Director. Dwayne brings more than 25 years of knowledge in the non-profit and governmental sectors with extensive experience in strategic fundraising, board governance, marketing, management, counseling, and work with incarcerated individuals.
Prior to joining COCI, Dwayne served as the Co-Executive/Development Director for Justice for All Immigrants, a non-profit immigration law firm assisting clients seeking legal pathways for becoming American citizens. Other previous roles include development and executive director capacities for Harris County Child Protective Services (CPS), Greater East End Management District, Texas Defender Service, the United Way of Odessa, TX, and the Boys and Girls Club of Victoria, TX.
Throughout his roles in development and Executive Director capacities, Dwayne has raised several million dollars to support the causes of each respective organization. Most notably, during his tenure with the Greater East End Management District, Dwayne successfully raised millions of dollars targeting Houston’s East End and the community’s need for revitalization efforts to further enhance safety, walking and bike trails, and pedestrian oriented transit infrastructure.
Dwayne brings a wealth of experience, a passion for serving his community, and an ability to connect with students, and with COCI’s mission. Dwayne is especially passionate about helping at-risk youth realize and achieve their full potential. COCI looks forward to welcoming Dwayne as the Executive Director and continuing organizational efforts to create sustainable solutions for children of incarcerated parents.
To learn more about COCI, visit: www.cherishourchildren.org.