Hamp will remain Executive Director through the end of 2026 as HWPI begins the search for its next leader
Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative (HWPI) Executive Director Kiff Hamp will begin a new professional chapter at the end of 2026. In January, Kiff will step into a new role as the founding CEO of a new nonprofit focused on creating sport access opportunities for Detroit’s youth. Working alongside many of Detroit’s leading civic, corporate and sports organizations, Kiff will have the opportunity to build the organization from the ground up, including shaping its mission and programs and developing a major new indoor and outdoor youth sports and programming campus along the Detroit riverfront.
Kiff has led HWPI since 2022, a period of significant organizational growth and momentum. Under his leadership, HWPI strengthened its organizational capacity, expanded its fundraising efforts and advanced major projects along the Border to Border Trail. During his tenure, HWPI secured more than $15 million in support, including its first significant public funding through the annual state budget, which has become a core part of the organization’s development strategy.
Together with the HWPI staff and its partners, Kiff helped advance major B2B Trail milestones, including the Zeeb-Delhi Metropark segment along Huron River Drive, the Barton Bandemer Tunnel and the Mill Creek connection into downtown Dexter. He also helped launch HWPI’s first annual fundraising event, Trail Raiser, now entering its fourth year.
“Thanks to Kiff, HWPI is a stronger, more capable organization with much to be proud of and a bright future. We are so fortunate to have all benefitted from his leadership, compassion, kindness, and strategic vision,” said Christine Stead, Chair of the HWPI Board of Directors. “He leaves HWPI well positioned for its next chapter, and his next organization will be lucky to have him at the helm.”
Kiff will remain Executive Director through the end of the year and will work closely with the Board and staff to support a smooth and thoughtful transition.
“I am incredibly proud of the work that my team and I have been able to accomplish during my time as Executive Director, and thankful to our Board and our core partners for their support and their trust in me. Helping to create a lasting impact on the community that I love and call home will always be a highlight of my career.
I am confident that I leave HWPI in terrific hands and ready to continue to grow and expand under new leadership, and am personally excited for the next chapter in my professional life. I look forward to staying involved in the B2B Trail and celebrating its successful completion in the coming years!”
HWPI Seeks Its Next Executive Director
As HWPI looks ahead, the Board has begun the search for the organization’s next Executive Director. The next leader will have the opportunity to build on the strong foundation established during Kiff’s tenure while guiding HWPI into its next chapter and continuing to advance the B2B Trail.
HWPI enters this transition with a strong team, a clear strategic plan and significant momentum behind its current trail projects, partnerships and fundraising efforts. The organization’s work will continue uninterrupted throughout the leadership transition.
Applications are open now and due by end of day Sunday, October 18, 2026. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to careers@huron-waterloo-pathways.org.
[View the Executive Director position description and application details ]
The anticipated timeline is for first-round interviews to take place in late October and early November, final interviews in mid-November, and the new Executive Director to begin January 4, 2027.
“The B2B Trail remains at the heart of HWPI’s work,” said Stead. “Trail development takes years, and the work underway today will continue. We are confident in HWPI’s future and look forward to building on the momentum Kiff and the entire team have created.”
Questions about the transition or Executive Director search can be directed to careers@huron-waterloo-pathways.org.