Photo: Maps.interlude / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Mark Newman has assumed the presidency of American Friends of Jamaica, taking over from Wendy Hart as the diaspora-backed charity enters its next phase of fundraising and recovery work on the island.
A leadership handover in New York
Newman’s appointment took effect on 1 November, following a public handover at AFJ’s Hummingbird Gala at The Plaza in New York on 16 October.
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Hart, who led the organisation for 11 years, used her final gala as president to thank donors and welcome her successor. The event raised more than US$900,000 for AFJ’s work in Jamaica, according to the Jamaica Observer.
The transition comes as AFJ continues to direct overseas donations towards Jamaican organisations and projects in education, healthcare, economic development and disaster recovery.
New president brings corporate experience
Newman brings more than three decades of senior international business experience. He previously served as president and chief executive of The Chemours Company and has held board roles with major US corporations, according to AFJ-related biographical material.
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He joined the AFJ board earlier this year and chaired its Strategy and Organisational Development Committee before becoming president. In remarks at the gala, Newman said he wanted to widen participation in the organisation while strengthening its long-term impact in Jamaica.
AFJ was founded in 1982 and says it has raised more than US$32 million for Jamaican causes. Its model connects donors in the United States and the wider diaspora with community groups and partners working on the ground.
Why the transition matters
The change in leadership arrives at a significant moment for Jamaica’s overseas support network. AFJ has been heavily involved in recovery initiatives following Hurricane Melissa, including assistance for homes, schools, health facilities and farmers.
The organisation says it has mobilised nearly US$12 million in cash and in-kind support for recovery, with more than 60 per cent of hurricane-relief funds deployed. Recent work has included agricultural support, such as an organic-seed contribution valued at US$750,000.
For Jamaicans abroad, AFJ’s leadership change matters because the organisation is one of the longstanding vehicles through which diaspora philanthropy is translated into practical support at home. Newman now inherits both that donor trust and the task of ensuring aid reaches communities in ways that are locally led, accountable and sustainable.
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Hart is due to be formally honoured for her contribution at AFJ’s Miami Gala on 20 March 2027.