Jan. 08, 2026
Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) has hired Daniel Watson as director of philanthropy to lead the work of KCDC’s Family Investment Foundation and advance philanthropic strategies that expand opportunities and improve outcomes for residents across Knoxville.
Watson brings nearly two decades of experience working alongside families navigating housing instability and systemic barriers. In his new role, he will focus on strengthening partnerships with donors, businesses, nonprofits, and public-sector leaders to support resident-centered initiatives and long-term community investment.
“Daniel has worked firsthand with those experiencing hardship and understands what it takes for families to achieve stability,” said Ben Bentley, executive director and CEO of KCDC. “Daniel will play a vital role for our organization as we continue to focus not only on providing housing, but also on creating pathways for individuals and families to thrive as they work toward increased economic mobility.”
“After nearly two decades working alongside families and neighborhoods striving for stability, I’m grateful to step into this role at KCDC,” said Watson. “This work represents a new season of investing at a systems level—aligning housing, philanthropy, and community partnerships through initiatives like Transforming Western so residents and neighborhoods can move from stability to long-term thriving.”
Founded in 2003, the Family Investment Foundation is a 501(c)(3) component of KCDC that collaborates with individuals, businesses, nonprofits and local government agencies to improve the social, educational, economic and health conditions of the Knoxville community. The foundation primarily focuses its efforts on households with area median incomes (AMI) of 50% or below.
The foundation’s priorities include the Transforming Western initiative, which is revitalizing the Western Heights and surrounding Beaumont neighborhood, as well as targeted investments in health, food access, entrepreneurship, arts and youth development initiatives to serve residents throughout KCDC communities.
Prior to joining KCDC, Watson served as co-founder and executive director of The Restoration House of East Tennessee, a nonprofit established in 2006 that provides supportive housing for single mothers and children along with family advocacy and enrichment programs. He also helped launch Olive Tree Early Learning Academy and served on the Knox County Board of Education.
Watson earned both a Bachelor of Arts in youth ministry and Christian education and a Master of Arts in ethical leadership from Johnson University. He also earned a certificate from the University of Tennessee Haslam College of Business’ Consortium for Social Enterprise Effectiveness (CSEE), which strengthens social mission organizations and their leaders.
Watson is an alumnus of Leadership Knoxville (2014) and was named one of Knoxville’s 40 Under 40. He and his wife, Mandy, reside in Knoxville with their family.
About Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation
Since 1936, KCDC has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Knoxville. KCDC’s mission is to collaborate with the Knoxville community to create and preserve housing opportunities and strengthen neighborhoods. For more information, visit kcdc.org.
Social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KnoxvilleCDC
X: https://x.com/knoxvilleCDC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/knoxville’s-community-development-corporation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knoxvillecdc
