Titan CEO and headline sponsor Wipfli are pleased to announce Damon Cates, President and CEO of One Hope United as a 2026 Chicago Titan 100 recipient.
The Titan 100 recognizes Chicago’s Top 100 CEOs and C-level executives, the region’s most accomplished leaders who have not only built extraordinary companies but have redefined what it means to lead. These Titans exemplify excellence through their vision, passion, and integrity, creating lasting impact across industries and communities.
Collectively, the 2026 Chicago Titan 100 honorees and their companies generate more than $120 billion in annual revenue and employ over 207,000 individuals across the region and beyond, with more than half exceeding $35 million in annual revenue.
“This year’s Titans represent more than success; they embody resilience, purpose, and transformation,” said Jaime Zawmon, President of Titan CEO. “Being a Titan is not a title; it is a mindset, a way of leading with courage, serving with integrity, and creating something that outlasts you. It is about lifting those around you and leaving a legacy that inspires others to rise. These leaders stand as proof that the future of business is driven by those who turn vision into lasting impact.”
Dr. Damon Cates has served as President & CEO of One Hope United since 2024. With more than 25 years of experience in fundraising and organizational leadership, he oversees OHU’s long- and short-term strategic direction, manages operations and resources, and serves as the organization’s primary spokesperson.
Damon is a recognized fundraising leader at both the state and federal levels and is known for building strong, productive relationships with legislative partners in Illinois, Florida, and across the country. Under his leadership, OHU successfully completed its COA reaccreditation, launched initiatives to strengthen collaboration and teamwork, elevated the OHU story, and introduced the OHU Promise to guide the organization’s vision and priorities for the years ahead.
This recognition reflects the incredible work of the One Hope United team and our mission to help children and families thrive. I’m grateful for our dedicated staff, board, and partners who live our purpose every day.
– Damon Cates, President and CEO
Spanning industries from construction, manufacturing, finance, and technology to healthcare, education, and nonprofit leadership, this year’s Titan 100 honorees reflect the full diversity and strength of Chicago’s business community.
Damon Cates will be honored at the 2026 Chicago Titan 100 Awards on February 19, 2026, at The Geraghty. This elegant, cocktail-style awards event will unite 100 Titans of Industry for an unforgettable evening of inspiration, camaraderie, and connection. It is more than an event; it is a gathering of leaders who elevate one another and redefine excellence.
“On behalf of the partners and associates at Wipfli, we congratulate the 2026 Chicago Titan 100 honorees,” said Gary Shutan, Partner at Wipfli. “We appreciate the lasting impact each leader has made, and continues to make, in building organizations of significance both in Chicago and abroad. Your ingenuity and creativity have set you apart, and the honor of being seen as an industry Titan is richly deserved.”