Velma Hart

Velma R. Hart, CAE serves as Executive Director for Giving Initiatives and Alternatives a 501(c)(3) youth and young adult organization who’s mission is to empower youth and help them make successful life choices through a variety of program offerings.   

With over 20 years of nonprofit management experience, Hart’s background includes a blend of experience in executive management, financial oversight, and diversity and inclusion.  She is a known national speaker and has worked for several Washington, DC area nonprofits with a broad range missions, purposes and focuses.  Her specialty is in the key areas of finance, operations and strategic planning. 

Most recently, Hart was the National Finance Director/Chief Financial Officer of AMVETS National Headquarters where she served for more than 10 years.  Prior to AMVETS, Hart held various positions with organizations such as The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) and the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). 

An innovative thinker, Hart brings vision and leadership; and, is known for her strategic focus in moving companies and organizations forward in their goals.  She serves on various nonprofit boards, including Immediate Past Chairman of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), member and Treasurer of the Alliance for Nonprofit Management, and member of the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) Foundation. 

Hart was also a Secretarial appointee to the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans for the Department of Veteran Affairs leaving that post in 2009, a proud Army veteran, a 2005 ASAE Fellow and earned her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 1994.