KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Knoxville Community Development Corporation (KCDC) hired a director of philanthropy to lead the Family Investment Foundation, which seeks to help improve conditions in the community.
Daniel Watson, the new director of philanthropy, has almost two decades of experience fighting housing instability. For this new job, he plans to strengthen partnerships with donors, businesses, non-profits and government leaders, KCDC said.
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“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.”
For nearly 20 years, Watson was the co-founder and executive director of the Restoration House of East Tennessee, which seeks to help low-income single mothers and their children. He stepped down in 2025. Additionally, Watson served on the Knox County Board of Education and helped launch Olive Tree Early Learning Academy, KCDC said. Restoration House was once featured on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”…