Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer, National Urban League
Board Member: Corporate
Dennis Serrette is Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer at the National Urban League (NUL). In this role, he leads a team responsible for the strategic planning and execution of the organization’s fundraising initiatives, board engagement, and key partnerships that support the League’s national mission.
The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization with 92 affiliates across the country, working to advance economic empowerment, education, and workforce development. Serrette plays a critical role in supporting this national movement by driving philanthropic strategy, affiliate development, and donor engagement.
Serrette brings over 30 years of experience in fundraising, board management, strategic planning, and business development. Since joining NUL in 2007, he has helped secure more than $1 billion in funding for its programs. He led the most successful fundraising campaign in the history of any Black institution in the U.S., commemorating the League’s 100th anniversary, and is currently leading a $100 million capital campaign for a new headquarters in Harlem. The project will include NYC’s first Civil Rights Museum, nonprofit and retail space, and over 170 units of affordable housing.
He also created a national affiliate fundraising support platform and serves as Chair of the Board for the NUL Federal Credit Union, which—alongside the League’s CDFI—is launching a new banking solution for underserved communities and small businesses.
Before joining NUL, Serrette was Vice President of Corporate Development at United Way of New York City, where he managed a $65 million annual campaign and supported the $560 million September 11th Fund. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Pace University and an MBA in finance from Stetson University.
Serrette’s leadership is rooted in a deep personal commitment to ensuring that community-based organizations have the resources they need to thrive.