Former CEO Passes Away

Miami Valley CAP sadly shares the news that longtime President and CEO John “Tim” Donnellan passed away Sept. 27 at the age of 84.

Donnellan led MVCAP from 1978 to 2017 but his influence reached far beyond the local community. He served for 13 years on the National Community Action Partnership Board of Directors, including four years as its Chair, helping to strengthen and advance the Community Action movement nationally. Among his many honors were the Lyndon Baines Johnson Human Service Award and the Spirit of Community Action Award.

In 2024, Donnellan was inducted into the Community Action Hall of Fame, a national recognition of his extraordinary contributions and lasting influence on the Community Action movement.

Current President and CEO Erin Jeffries said MVCAP as it exists today — and the entire network of Community Action agencies — was shaped in significant ways by Donnellan’s decades of leadership and commitment.

“His life’s work was rooted here in the Miami Valley, but its impact extended much further,” Jeffries said. “Generations of families, Community Action professionals, colleagues, and communities have benefited from the work he helped build and champion.”

“Our community is stronger because of Tim Donnellan’s contributions,” she added. “His legacy is reflected not only in the history of MVCAP, but also in the work we continue every day to expand opportunity, strengthen stability, and serve our neighbors with dignity.”

Services for Donnellan are private. View his obituary.