Christopher M. Hahn
President & CEO

Christopher M. Hahn took the helm of United Way of Long Island as President & CEO in March, 2007. He leads the 43-year-old charity in its initiatives to improve access to health care, reduce hunger, support children and youth and assist neighbors in need.

Hahn has led United Way of Island during one of the most critical transitions in its history. He has tirelessly worked to effectively move the organization from a traditional allocation-based model to a Community Impact operational plan. Hahn is a true champion of optimization and collaboration among Long Island’s nonprofit organizations, and has worked extensively to meet with United Way’s community partners to share his vision. Hahn’s ultimate goal is to build a platform for collaborative partnerships and spearhead positive social change as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Prior to joining United Way, Hahn was the former Chief Deputy County Executive for Nassau County, the top appointed post in the Suozzi administration. He directed and managed the daily administration, communications and operations of Nassau County government, which consisted of a $2.6 billion budget, 8,700 employees and 47 departments. During his tenure, he helped to create the Nassau County Empire Zone and protect open space under the Environmental Bond Act; engaged in various downtown revitalization efforts; and proposed a no tax increase budget that was unanimously passed by the Legislature. Hahn was also charged with implementing and managing Suozzi’s aggressive campaign to save the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Within weeks, Hahn raised more than $700,000 for the museum, which was more than the Cradle of Aviation had fundraised in the entire previous year.

Hahn’s earlier career posts included working as a Senior Associate in the government group of Holland and Knight, LLP, serving as the Long Island Director for United States Senator
Charles E. Schumer for five years. While working for Senator Schumer, Hahn facilitated all of the Senator’s regional priorities. Among his accomplishments were coordinating and supervising all regional post 9-11 Homeland Security activities on the Senator’s behalf; securing all of the permits for a $10 million beach renourishment project for Fire Island communities and a coastal preservation project from Montauk Point to Fire Island Inlet; spearheading the Senator’s initiative to clean up Brookhaven National Lab; and assisting in the establishment of the Long Island American Viticulture Area for the Long Island wine industry.

Hahn is a graduate of SUNY Albany and St. John’s University School of Law, where he received a Public Interest Fellowship and was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society.