Sonni Holland

Sonni Holland is President & CEO of the Charles Hayden Foundation. In his role, he establishes grant strategies and oversees the grantee process, progress, and reporting for an annual portfolio of $17 million. During his twenty-four years at the Foundation, he has recommended nearly $300 million in grant approvals that further the Foundation’s mission to support young people to live healthy, meaningful, productive lives and—in turn—work to support and advance their communities. He has also led the Foundation’s involvement in the creation of several initiatives that include the Young Man With a Plan program, as well as the Foundation’s Summer Pre-College initiatives that have provided nearly 1000 high school students access to various pre-college programs in the Northeast. Sonni also organizes, facilitates, and participates in various collaborative efforts between the Foundation’s grantees and non-grantees, (that include foundations, government agencies, community-based organizations, and schools).

After graduating from The George Washington University, Sonni played professional basketball throughout Europe and South America for five years. Since retiring from basketball Sonni has dedicated his career to youth development, holding positions as Director of Operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Paterson, NJ, and various positions at The Charles Hayden Foundation.

In his spare time, Sonni coaches basketball clinics for young people ages 6-18 at Hoops America and volunteers his time at various youth development organizations and initiatives in NY and NJ.