JOE DANIELS

Strategic • Empathetic • Determined

A Visionary Leader in the Non-Profit World

Joe Daniels is a well-recognized, accomplished leader in the non-profit world. He has more than two decades of high-profile national, state and local program and capital-creation successes; major fundraising; team building; and strong, positive relationships with a wide array of stakeholders—board members, staff, served communities, corporate and other philanthropic entities and all levels of government.

Joe holds a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and an B.A. in history from Washington University in St Louis.

Joe, and his wife Naomi, have lived in NYC for 25 years (more than 20 in Lower Manhattan); have three children; have been active in the community; and are dedicated members of Tamid: The Downtown Synagogue.

PREVIOUS WORK

America250 Foundation

2021-2022

Alexandria, V.A.

President and CEO

Led the United States’ Semiquincentennial effort (250th birthday - culminating July 4, 2026) by creating the initial program and plans for the most inclusive commemoration in America’s history

Revitalized a Foundation team by bolstering focus on external and internal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, attracting and retaining best-in-industry talent, and fostering a much needed cohesive and mission-based culture built on the premise that diversity is America’s greatest strength

Defined the mission, vision and values of the effort and increased the number of pipeline programs from 25 to 400; oversaw the formation and management of 30 state “250” commissions, more than 20 Federal Agencies, 14 subject matter Advisory Councils as well as national partners from across the cultural and political spectrum

Built and envisioned the plans for the Development, Communications and External Affairs departments from ground up

National Medal of Honor Museum

2018—2021

Dallas, T.X.

President and CEO

Led the effort to create the United States’ first ever National Medal of Honor Museum – an institution dedicated to preserving the legacies of the recipients of our country’s highest award for valor in combat

Created the vision for, and directed the implementation of, a complete re-vamp of the Museum project which had become moribund over an unsuccessful 7+ years. The result was a full transformation of the Board of Directors, complete rebuild of staff, and professionalization of all core functions and re location to Dallas, TX after completing a year-long national search

Raised more than $75 million in the year of the pandemic by working with the leading philanthropists of the region – including the Perot family, the ownership of the Dallas Cowboys, the ownership of the Texas Rangers – toward the $300 million+ capital campaign required for the Museum

Led the effort to, in parallel with the establishment of the Museum, create the first ever National Medal of Honor Monument in Washington, D.C. – with the critical step of the introduction of H.R. 5173 to Congress

Navigated the complex stakeholder relationships involving the Medal of Honor Society and other military affinity organizations that interact with the Medal of Honor, veterans and other relevant constituencies

Created a nation-wide public outreach, awareness and fundraising effort to be launched Q2 of 2020 focused on impact and engagement of young Americans – in creative, in messaging and in platform utilization

National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center

2005—2016

New York, N.Y.

President and CEO

Headed the development, planning, design, construction, and operational ramp‐up of the 9/11 Memorial, which opened on the 10th anniversary of the attacks (31 million visitors through 2016), and the 9/11 Memorial Museum, which opened in May 2014 (8 million visitors through 2016)

Navigated the organization successfully through historic and unprecedented political, logistical, financial, and cultural challenges under significant media scrutiny, ultimately leading to tremendous public response in domestic and international markets, including TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice ranking of #1 museum in U.S. and #5 in the world

Worked closely and frequently with Chairman Michael R. Bloomberg and fifty‐person Board of Directors, including leaders from across the corporate, media, and entertainment sectors, as well as 9/11 family members representing all three attack sites

Established and maintained strong and productive relationships with 9/11 stakeholders including victims’ family members, survivors, rescue and recovery workers, military, and local businesses and residents through a robust and transparent planning process and continued public programming/educational initiatives

Identified promising technology and led digital strategy to enable an interactive and transformative visitor experience to help achieve the mission of the Memorial & Museum

Negotiated and drafted a landmark, multi‐party real estate agreement determining the future of the World Trade Center (WTC) site between the City of New York, State of New York, Port Authority, and Lower Manhattan Development Corporation that defined a complex land swap structure to allow the funding, construction, and operations to proceed

Drove process to prioritize 9/11 Memorial construction over multiple other WTC projects through intensive negotiations with private sector entities and dozens of local, state, and federal leaders

Grew non‐profit organization with a budget of approx. $12M and a staff of less than 40 into an internationally renowned operating institution with an annual budget of $90M and approx. 500 in‐ house and contracted staff across operations, fundraising, exhibitions, collections, education, finance, legal, design and construction, planning, programming, communications, marketing, and human resources

Established successful business model for the organization through work with Board’s Finance and Investment Committee, which led the industry with over 99% of operating expenses covered by earned revenue

Established the Memorial and Museum as a must‐visit site for world leaders and major figures and led coordination with major stakeholders and planning for internationally recognized events, including Pope Francis’s Interfaith Gathering in Sept. 2015, 9/11 anniversary commemorations with current and former Presidents of the United States and other dignitaries, events for leaders participating in the United Nations General Assembly, and tributes related to terror attacks around the world (including most recently for Orlando)

Led the development of Memorial Museum content and planning, including development of exhibition narratives, artifact selection, and visitor experience planning

Launched and oversaw the development of cutting‐edge education and public programs, with participants including UK PM Tony Blair and Secretary Henry Kissinger

Led a successful capital campaign supported through a private‐public partnership that included raising more than $500 million in private donations

Represented Memorial and Museum in key meetings and conferences with international dignitaries and business leaders around the world (including in China, Italy, Japan, and Spain)

Launched military programs including hosting reenlistment ceremonies, silent drills, and tributes on the Memorial Plaza

ORGANIZATIONS & AWARDS

2012 ‐ Present

The Aspen Institute – Henry Crown Fellowship Program

True North Fellow

The Henry Crown Fellowship Program, established in 1997, develops community-minded leaders, equipping them with tools for 21st-century business challenges. Each year, 20-22 accomplished entrepreneurs (aged 30-45) engage in a two-year journey, guided by Aspen Institute moderators in transformative seminars held at various global locations. The program encourages personal growth and community impact, honoring the legacy of Henry Crown, an esteemed Chicago industrialist known for their commitment to integrity and philanthropy.

2012 - Present

US‐Japan Leadership Program

Fellow

The US-Japan Leadership Program (USJLP) seeks to create a network of talented and diverse young American and Japanese leaders brought together to foster dialogue, friendship and understanding between the two countries. All members hold US or Japanese citizenship, enter the Program between the ages of 28-42 and have demonstrated leadership in their respective fields. Membership requires a commitment to participate in two consecutive summer conferences as a Delegate (one in Japan, and one in the U.S.), and the intent to remain active in the Program as a Fellow (alumnus).

2014 ‐ Present

British American Project

Fellow

The British-American Project represents a dynamic transatlantic fellowship comprising more than 1,200 leaders, rising stars, and influential voices hailing from diverse backgrounds, occupations, and political perspectives. This extraordinary network unites accomplished individuals on the trajectory of promising careers in public service, professions, and the business world, fostering a powerful and diverse community of high-achievers.

2011 ‐ Present

Young Presidents’ Organization

Gotham Chapter

YPO is a global leadership community of chief executives driven by the belief that the world needs better leaders. Its members are accomplished leaders who have achieved significant success at a young age, holding top executive positions in their businesses or organizations. YPO fosters an inclusive environment, embracing diverse cultures, perspectives, and expertise, with a shared commitment to personal growth and learning. Through open sharing and trust, YPO members learn from one another, access rich learning programs, share exceptional experiences, and form lasting friendships, inspiring and supporting each other to make a positive impact on their lives, businesses, and the world.

2011-2018

NYC & Company

Board Member

NYC & Company (now NYC Tourism + Conventions) is New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization. The not-for-profit quasi-agency's mission is to maximize opportunities for travel and tourism in New York City, build economic prosperity and spread the dynamic image of New York City around the world.

2014

Washington University in St. Louis

Early Achievement Award

The Early Career Achievement Award pays tribute to outstanding Arts & Sciences alumni who have achieved remarkable success at 40 years of age or younger. Additionally, the Dean's Medal acknowledges the extraordinary contributions and unwavering support of a distinguished friend whose leadership, guidance, and inspiration have positioned Arts & Sciences as a cornerstone of one of the world's premier universities.

2009

Crain’s Forty Under Forty

Annual listing of young prominent leaders in

New York City

The annual 40 Under 40 list honors New Yorkers breaking ground across industries. Nominations are now open for Crain's 2023 40 Under 40 class, a prestigious honor that recognizes young leaders from the city's business community making waves in real estate, technology, politics, health care and more