CHICAGO (Feb. 10, 2021) ― Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, a not-for-profit organization that advocates for key human rights issues, has appointed Dan Halem of Major League Baseball and Dasha Smith of the National Football League to its Board of Directors. Hanold Associates’ Jason Hanold and Sarah Kennedy led the search.
Daniel R. Halem is the Deputy Commissioner, Baseball Administration and Chief Legal Officer for the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball, reporting to Commissioner Manfred. In that capacity, he is responsible for overseeing MLB’s Labor Relations Department, Baseball Operations Department, Human Resources Department, Department of Investigations, Diversity Department, Government Affairs Department, Security Department and all of MLB’s legal groups. Before coming to MLB in 2007, he was a partner in the Labor and Employment Law Department of Proskauer Rose LLP, where his clients included Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the Women’s National Basketball Association, the New York Jets, and Hershey’s Food Corporation, among others.
Dasha Smith is the Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer for the National Football League (NFL). In this role, Smith is a member of the NFL executive operating committee and leads people operations and strategy (HR), technology, diversity & inclusion, social responsibility and league office administration. She previously held senior leadership roles at Sony Music Entertainment, GCM Grosvenor and Time Inc. Early in her career, Smith practiced as an M&A lawyer. She serves on the boards of Cohen & Steers, CAPTRUST, Beautycounter and several non-profit educational and arts organizations.
“We’ve had the privilege of assisting in the placement of several Board Directors for this wonderful organization,” said Jason Hanold, CEO and Managing Partner at Hanold Associates, “and I have no doubt that Dasha and Dan will have a meaningful impact as they stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the Board to drive positive change here in the US and abroad.”
The RFK Board of Directors is comprised of leaders from varied sectors, including those in corporate, human rights, entertainment and public sectors. Members are identified and selected based on their demonstrated interest and commitment to social justice and advancing the legacy and vision of Robert F. Kennedy. Current members include Ethel Kennedy (Founder), Robert Smith (Vista Equity Partners), Harry Belafonte (Activist and Entertainer), Martin Sheen (Actor) and Joseph Kennedy III among others. The Leadership Council includes leaders, entrepreneurs, activists and artists such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former President, Bill Clinton, Rosie Perez, and Keegan-Michael Key.
Robert F. Kennedy’s career in public service was distinguished by his willingness to join local activists in demanding change. Whether aiding the Freedom Riders in Alabama, encouraging anti-Apartheid students in South Africa or breaking bread with Cesar Chavez in California, Robert F. Kennedy believed in standing with those who stood against oppression. Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights continues his legacy of joining the brave women and men on the front lines of the struggle for justice. From lawsuits to lesson plans, their programs are designed to empower activists working for change from the ground up.
About Hanold Associates
Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search is a retained boutique executive search firm focused on HR and Diversity & Inclusion Officers and Board Directors. Our client list is diverse across industries, geographies and business scenarios, and culture is at the core of everything we do. Our clients include Abercrombie & Fitch, Allstate, American Airlines, Apollo, Big Ten Conference, Biogen, Blackstone, Carnival Corp., ClubCorp, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Domino’s Pizza, eBay, Electronic Arts, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Fiat-Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, Fossil, Gucci, Kellogg, Kohler, L Catterton, Live Nation Entertainment, Major League Baseball, McDonald’s, Moderna, National Football League, The New York Times, Nike, Northwestern University, Patagonia, REI, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, SC Johnson, Tom Brady’s TB12, TPG, Under Armour, Vail Resorts, Wikimedia and Zoom, among others.
