There have been so many changes in the last several months, it has had my head spinning a bit, but it is an exciting time of growth and opportunity here. I would like to announce and formally welcome Kevin Faul in his move to our Board of Directors and our newest Advisory Board member, Gun Denhart.
Kevin is responsible for all aspects of financial planning and strategic development including new products and partnerships. Kevin has a background in finance and product development, having graduated with a dual MBA in Finance and Sports Marketing from the University of Oregon. He earned the Lundquist Entrepreneurial Scholarship and was the Graduate Teaching Fellow of UO’s Lundquist Center for Entrepreneurship. His work with technology and consumer product development has taken him around the US, SE Asia and though he lives and works in Los Angeles, still considers Portland, Oregon home.
Child advocate Gun Denhart co-founded the Hanna Andersson children’s clothing company in 1983. Through her leadership, the company has become known for its high quality clothing made from soft cotton materials. Having raised a family while creating a multi-million dollar business, Denhart understands the challenges of balancing work and family. Working Woman magazine has recognized Gun’s efforts to promote child development within Hanna Andersson in its annual list of “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” for company policies such as flex time and childcare reimbursement. After giving away used Hanna clothing to homeless shelters, Denhart was determined to make a difference in the lives of children living in poverty. She began by giving 5% of the company pre-tax profits to children’s groups. In 2001, Denhart founded Hanna Andersson Children’s Foundation, which promotes a brighter future in the lives of vulnerable children. Funds from this foundation are allocated by a vote of employees to support programs in the communities where Hanna and its vendors have a presence. To promote these, Denhart chairs Stand for Children and serves on the boards of the Oregon Business Association (Chair emeritus), Ecotrust, the Children’s Institute, the Russell Family Foundation, and The Threshold Group. Gun has donated space for Isobel’s Clubhouse in Portland Oregon, a community center that provides a free place for children’s creative projects and events.
HHI continues to prove itself as a powerful change agent, that has world-wide potential. I am delighted and honored that we continue to draw the most intelligent, successful and talented team members who are dedicated to leading HHI to its highest promise for global greatness.
