One Hope United Names Jered Pruitt Chief Operating Officer
One Hope United (OHU) has named Jered Pruitt as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective September 8.
Pruitt brings 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience spanning operations, strategy, organizational growth, fundraising, and communications. He joins OHU from the Chinese American Service League (CASL) in Chicago, where he currently serves as Chief Business Growth Officer and previously spent nearly eight years as Chief Operating Officer.
During his tenure as COO, Pruitt helped lead CASL through a period of significant growth, as the organization expanded from a $13 million to $32 million budget, grew from 501 to almost 700 employees, and increased its programs from 19 to 29. He also helped strengthen the systems and infrastructure needed to support that growth, including data and evaluation, technology, compensation, and long-range planning.
“Jered brings a rare combination of operational expertise, strategic thinking, and deep commitment to our mission,” said Damon Cates, President and CEO of One Hope United. “He understands how to build the systems and infrastructure that allow an organization—and, most importantly, its people—to do their best work. I’m excited to have him join our leadership team and help position One Hope United for its next chapter.”
Pruitt brings a personal connection to OHU’s mission. His background includes five years in clinical leadership positions focused on children and adolescents, and he has firsthand experience with the child welfare system as a former foster parent.
“For me, it’s always been about how I can make systemic change that has a broader impact,” Pruitt said. “As COO, I have the opportunity to strengthen the organization while supporting the people who provide the one-on-one assistance children and families need.”
Over the course of his career, Pruitt has served six years leading nonprofit organizations and 12 years in executive fundraising roles, in addition to his experience in operations and clinical leadership. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Judson University and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Roosevelt University.
Pruitt currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Japanese American Service Committee. His civic and community leadership also has included serving as a principal investigator for a National Institutes of Health partnership with Northwestern University, as well as service on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s COVID Equity Team and the City of Chicago’s Guaranteed Income Advisory Board.
As COO, Pruitt will oversee OHU’s day-to-day operations and work with leaders across the organization to translate strategy into action, strengthen organizational systems, and support continued growth and impact.
Pruitt said his first weeks at OHU will be focused on listening and learning. “Getting to know the people and the culture of an organization is just as important as getting to know the systems and processes,” Pruitt said. “I’m looking forward to learning from the people who know One Hope United and the communities we serve best.”