NEW YORK, United States — Mark Newman has assumed the presidency of the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), succeeding Wendy Hart, who stepped down after 11 years leading the organisation.

AFJ announced the leadership change at its Hummingbird Gala on October 16 at The Plaza in New York, where Hart introduced Newman as her successor.

During Hart’s presidency, AFJ continued raising funds for Jamaican charities and community organisations while building relationships with donors in the United States. Her tenure also included the organisation’s response to Hurricanes Beryl and Melissa, with AFJ mobilising nearly US$12 million in cash and in-kind support following Melissa to assist families, schools, healthcare facilities and farmers.

Hart was awarded Jamaica’s Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD) in the 2026 National Honours and Awards. The recognition follows years of service to Jamaica, including her work with AFJ, which has supported hundreds of projects in education, healthcare and economic development.

Newman paid tribute to Hart during the gala, thanking her for her years of service to the organisation.

“For the past eleven years, AFJ has been led by a woman who gave her time, her energy, her heart, and her Rolodex to this organisation,” he said. “Wendy Hart, thank you for everything you have done for AFJ and for Jamaica.”

Newman brings more than 30 years of international business experience to AFJ, having held senior leadership positions across major global companies, including serving as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of The Chemours Company. The Delaware Business Times named him CEO of the Year in 2023, and Savoy magazine has recognised him as one of the most influential Black executives in corporate America.

Beyond his corporate career, Newman has also been recognised for his contributions to Jamaica. In 2022, he was among six individuals honoured at the Official Jamaica 60 Diamond Jubilee Gala in New York. He has also supported AFJ’s agricultural recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, including support for the Small Farmer Gift Card programme and the donation of organic seeds from Back to the Roots.

Speaking at the October 16 gala about his plans for AFJ, Newman said he wanted to bring more people into the organisation and build on the work already being done in Jamaica.

“With your help, our goal is to strengthen and broaden AFJ, so that our impact in Jamaica is not just generous, but sustainable,” he told guests.

Established in 1982, AFJ has raised more than US$32 million for Jamaica. Newman said the response to Hurricanes Beryl and Melissa demonstrated the strength of support for the island, both among the Jamaican diaspora and Americans with ties to Jamaica.

Newman also has a longstanding family connection to AFJ. His wife, Kathleen Newman, has served on the organisation’s board since 2018.

Hart’s contributions to AFJ will be formally recognised at the organisation’s Miami Gala on March 20, 2027.