Leadership Transition at CAO of WNY: Thomas U. Kim Announces Departure and Welcomes Interim President & CEO Reverend Ulysees Wingo
Jan 8th, 2024
Buffalo, NY – January 8th, 2024 – Mr. Thomas U. Kim is departing as President & CEO of the Community Action Organization of Western New York on January 7th, 2024. The Board of Directors of the Community Action Organization of Western New York appointed Reverend Ulysees O. Wingo, Sr., Chief Operations & Outreach Officer, as the Interim President & CEO. Reverend Wingo will fulfill this position while the organization undergoes the search for a new President & CEO, ensuring a seamless and efficient transition for the organization. For more information and insights, please refer to the statement from Mr. Thomas U. Kim, the former President & CEO of the Community Action Organization of Western New York.
Statement
As I reflect on my tenure as President and CEO of the Community Action Organization of Western New York, I must announce, with a heavy heart, my departure from this role—a commitment I have cherished for the past three years. Serving the CAO of WNY has been immensely rewarding, and the experiences here have deeply enriched my professional journey. However, I have come to realize that my path is leading me towards roles that offer a broader scope of influence and impact, more closely aligned with my personal and professional aspirations.
When I joined, we faced various challenges, both internal and external. Fueled by the tireless efforts of our extraordinary team, we not only overcame those challenges but also achieved remarkable milestones. We restructured our business process, brought in a national audit firm to examine every aspect of our financial process, and subsequently received two consecutive clean audits. We implemented robust internal controls, completed a rebranding campaign, rebuilt our reputation, launched storytelling campaigns, and enhanced our programs that directly impacted the lives of families we serve. I'm particularly proud of the Ageless Wonders, our seniors' program, and their remarkable story of resilience, which wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of Ms. Yvonne Hairston, the Ageless Wonders Director, and one of the longest-serving staff at CAO of WNY.
While leaving is bittersweet, the time is right for a new leader with deep community roots to shepherd the CAO of WNY forward. I believe the ideal candidate is a person of high moral character, a person who not only speaks eloquently but whose actions match their words, a person whom staff will follow willingly because they believe in the CEO’s vision, a leader who can see beyond what is immediate, and most importantly a leader who demonstrates what it means to live a motto of “integrity, service before self, and excellence in all we do.”
As my official role concludes, I take with me the profound impact this agency has had on me. The spirit of service that runs through the core of the CAO of WNY will forever be a part of my DNA. It has been an honor to serve alongside each of you, the executive team, and the staff. I leave with immense gratitude for your unwavering support. Together, we have made a lasting difference, and I have no doubt that the future of the agency is bright. As Tennyson aptly wrote, 'The old order changeth, yielding place to new.' May the CAO of WNY continue to be a beacon of hope and support for our community for many years to come.
Thomas U. Kim
January 8th, 2024
About Community Action Organization of Western New York, Inc.:
The Community Action Organization of Western New York is a non-profit that serves thousands of families across the region. We use our combined expertise to lead the charge on mitigating poverty throughout low-income communities within our area by empowering our clients with the resources they need to become self-responsible.
