The Florida Coalition for Children (FCC) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Damon Cates, President & CEO of One Hope United, as the organization’s new Board Chair. Cates succeeds Lila Cavasos, Chief Development Officer of National Youth Advocate Program, Inc., who has served as FCC Board Chair with distinction and dedication.
Dr. Cates brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in philanthropy, organizational strategy, and child and family services to the role. As President & CEO of One Hope United (OHU), he oversees the organization’s mission-driven work supporting more than 10,000 children and families annually across Illinois and Florida through early childhood education, child welfare, behavioral health, and residential programs.
“Damon’s vision, leadership, and deep commitment to improving outcomes for children and families make him an exceptional choice to lead our Board of Directors,” said Denise Marzullo, President & CEO of the Florida Coalition for Children. “We are incredibly excited for the experience and perspective he brings to FCC as we continue building momentum and moving the coalition in great directions. Damon understands both the challenges and opportunities facing our sector, and his leadership will help strengthen our impact across Florida.”
Marzullo also expressed appreciation for outgoing Board Chair Lila Cavasos and her years of service to the coalition. “We are deeply grateful to Lila for her steadfast leadership and unwavering support of FCC over the past several years,” Marzullo said. “Her guidance helped the coalition navigate critical moments while advancing our mission to support children, families, and communities throughout Florida. Lila’s passion and commitment have left a lasting mark on our organization.”
Cates said he is honored to step into the leadership role and continue supporting FCC’s mission and advocacy efforts. “I am honored and excited to serve as Board Chair for the Florida Coalition for Children,” said Dr. Damon Cates. “FCC plays a vital role in advocating for Florida’s child welfare system, and I look forward to working alongside the Board and coalition members to continue advancing innovative, effective solutions for children and families across the state.”
Cates has served in leadership roles across higher education and nonprofit organizations, including the University of Chicago, the University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University. Since joining One Hope United, he has led efforts to strengthen collaboration, advance organizational strategy, guide successful accreditation efforts, and build stronger relationships with state and national legislative leaders. In 2023, Governor JB Pritzker appointed Cates to the Illinois Youth Budget Commission, followed by his 2024 appointment to the Illinois DCFS Child Welfare Advisory Committee.
As part of his continued engagement with FCC members, Cates will also present at the FCC 2026 Conference in Charlotte Harbor, Florida, July 19–21. He will join Sarah Tunning, Michelle Marrero, and Tory Wilson for a panel discussion on One Hope United’s Hope House model for high-acuity youth, highlighting trauma-informed, home-based foster care approaches that improve outcomes while remaining financially sustainable.
About the Florida Coalition for Children
The Florida Coalition for Children is the statewide association representing Florida’s community-based care lead agencies, providers, and partners dedicated to advancing child well-being and strengthening families. FCC advocates for effective policies, promotes best practices, and supports collaborative solutions that improve outcomes for children and families throughout Florida.
About One Hope United
One Hope United (OHU) is a nonprofit providing early childhood education, child and family services, behavioral and mental health resources, and residential programs for more than 130 years. OHU proudly serves over 10,000 children and families each year across Illinois and Florida. Through evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, OHU empowers children and families to see and create a future where, regardless of their past, they can reach their full potential.