Mark Newman Takes Over American Friends of Jamaica
Newman succeeds Wendy Hart, who led the organization for 11 years, after the leadership change was announced at a New York gala.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in People
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The American Friends of Jamaica announced on October 16, 2026, that Mark Newman has assumed the presidency, succeeding Wendy Hart, who stepped down after 11 years. The change was announced at the AFJ Hummingbird Gala at The Plaza in New York, where Hart introduced Newman as her successor.
Why it matters
The transition places a leader with more than 30 years of international business experience at the helm of an organization that mobilized nearly US$12 million in support after Hurricane Melissa. The handover also marks a shift in leadership for a group established in 1982 that has raised more than US$32 million for Jamaica.
AFJ has raised more than US$32 million for Jamaica since its founding in 1982, and it mobilized nearly US$12 million in cash and in-kind support following Hurricane Melissa. Hart's 11-year tenure ended with the leadership change, while the source does not detail the organization's current operating budget.
The players
Mark Newman
Newman is a business executive with more than 30 years of international experience who previously led The Chemours Company as president and chief executive officer.
Wendy Hart
Hart is the former president of the American Friends of Jamaica who led the organization for 11 years and received the Order of Distinction in the 2026 National Honours and Awards.
American Friends of Jamaica
The American Friends of Jamaica is a nonprofit organization founded in 1982 that has raised more than US$32 million for Jamaica.
The details
Newman, who previously served as president and chief executive officer of The Chemours Company, was named CEO of the Year by the Delaware Business Times in 2023. Hart was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer in the 2026 National Honours and Awards, and her contributions will be formally recognized at the Miami Gala.
Timeline
October 16, 2026: AFJ announces leadership change at the Hummingbird Gala at The Plaza in New York.
March 20, 2027: Miami Gala to formally recognize Hart's contributions to AFJ.
Market Landscape
The handover reflects a pattern in which diaspora organizations supporting Jamaica rely on established leaders to sustain fundraising after major disasters such as Hurricane Melissa. Newman's transition continues the organization's model of combining cash and in-kind support, though the extraction does not describe any broader sector comparison.
For readers who support Jamaica through AFJ, the leadership change may affect how donations are directed and how the organization responds to future disasters. The extraction does not specify any changes to donation channels or programs.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions at long-running diaspora nonprofits can signal how relief and development support will be sustained over time. Readers interested in Jamaica-focused giving can track how the organization communicates its priorities under its new president.
Further reading
Explore more People coverage for context on leadership changes at organizations like this one.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Jamaica Observer.
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