HAVA is a collaborative partnership between United Way of Greater Houston and Volunteer Houston.

Established in 1973, the Houston Association of Volunteer Administrators (HAVA) is a program for volunteer engagement professionals led by volunteer engagement professionals to educate, empower, and elevate each other. We are collaborating with the United Way of Greater Houston to host in-person meetings and develop elected HAVA leaders in their positions.

We are collaborating with past HAVA leadership and the United Way of Greater Houston to define new membership parameters and processes that align with our new reality post-pandemic. Stay tuned for more info or click here to be added to the email list.

Interest Meeting
Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
United Way of Greater Houston (50 Waugh Dr.)

A feedback-focused agenda closing with 30-min of casual networking.

REGISTER
We want to preserve and curate the rich history of HAVA since its inception in 1973. If you have a story, photo, or document you’d like to share please email it to info@volunteerhouston.org and we’ll post it here.

Interest Meeting
Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
United Way of Greater Houston (50 Waugh Dr.)

A feedback-focused agenda closing with 30-min of casual networking.

REGISTER
This will be HAVA members’ go-to spot to download shared resources, tools, and templates. Think…volunteer job descriptions, social media content calendar, waivers and other forms. If you would like to share a resource please email it to info@volunteerhouston.org.

Joan Waite Hanlon was a woman who achieved a lifetime of leadership in volunteerism. Before her untimely death, she served as the Executive Director of the Voluntary Action Center of Houston/Harris County and coordinated a clearinghouse for volunteers which served more than 220 nonprofit organizations. Joan believed in the successful management of volunteer programs and in the growth and development of the individual professional. Her beliefs live on in the presentation of this award.

Joan Waite Hanlon Memorial Award

for outstanding professionalism in the field of volunteer management

Since 1979, the Houston Association of Volunteer Administrators annually presents the Joan Waite Hanlon Memorial Award to recognize outstanding professionalism in the field of volunteer management. Please see the eligibility requirements and criteria listed below.

Eligibility for Nomination

Any volunteer professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment, and professionalism should be nominated. Nominations for those who do not or have not managed volunteers will not be considered for the award.  Self-nominations are not accepted.

Who May Nominate

Any individual, group, agency, organization, or corporation within the Greater Houston area may submit as many separate nominations as desired.

Criteria for Consideration

The selection committee will utilize the following criteria in their review and decision-making process. Please be sure the requested statement addresses these points:

  • Administrative ability
  • Personal commitment to volunteerism
  • Professional leadership in the area of program development
  • Level and quality of activities directed
  • Development of leadership volunteers
  • Length of service in the field of volunteer management

NOMINATION FORM COMING SOON

Past Recipients of the Hanlon Award

Andrea Anders
Anita Richmond-Bunkley
Anne Harris
Barbara Sitzman
Betty Norman
Catherine Thomas
Clare Bruce
Crawford Bunkley
Curtis McMinn
Dariece McClure
Debra Hirst
Elizabeth Klumb
Elizabeth Tise
Francisca Duenes
Gayle McMorrow
Gen McClelland
Ian Todd
Jacqueline Cronquist
Jean Davis-Myers
Jennifer Barnes
Joe Gonzalez
Julie Knapp
Karen Harrison
Kathryn Taylor Paine
Kimberly Patel
Lori Hutson
Liz VanOrstrand
Lorinda Lonie
Mabel Menefee
Maralyn Robinson
Marguerite McKinney
Maureen Valenza
Muffin Clark
Page Lawson
Pamela Lemp
Patty Loman
Sarah King
Sherri Nance
Stasha Scruggs

On behalf of the HAVA Leadership Team (United Way + Volunteer Houston) we are delighted to introduce the members of the Inaugural Advisory Council for the “new” HAVA!

Marguerite McKinney
Retired Volunteer Engagement Professional

Matthew Herrera
West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM)
Volunteer Experience Manager

Altonette Terrance
Star of Hope Mission
Volunteer Manager

Judi Harrington
Volunteer Coordinator
Houston Zoo

Nancy Clippard
Houston ToolBank
Warehouse and Volunteer Manager