Nonprofit Leader Catherine Tong Joins Points of Light Board of Directors, Bringing Global Expertise in Volunteer Mobilization and Sector Growth

Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteering, proudly announces the appointment of Catherine Tong, executive director, HandsOn Hong Kong, to its Board of Directors. A respected nonprofit executive with over two decades of experience in strategic communications, civic engagement and volunteer infrastructure, Tong brings invaluable insight into the needs and opportunities facing nonprofits worldwide. Since joining HandsOn Hong Kong in 2016, Tong has led the organization in relentlessly advocating for and empowering the city’s less-resourced nonprofits. Under her leadership, the organization has significantly expanded its capacity to mobilize volunteers and uplift under-resourced nonprofits across the city.

“Catherine brings deep nonprofit expertise and a powerful global perspective on volunteering,” said Neil Bush, board chair, Points of Light. “She understands the systems and support nonprofits need to thrive and drive meaningful civic engagement. Her experience and strategic leadership make her an enormous asset, and I’m pleased to welcome her on behalf of our full board of directors.”

Tong currently serves as chair of Points of Light’s Global Network Affiliate Assembly, representing the voices of its 120 nonprofit member organizations across 32 countries. In this role, she ensures that the voices of nonprofit leaders are heard and that strategies reflect the realities of those on the ground delivering vital services through volunteer-powered work.

With a background that bridges nonprofit leadership and corporate event strategy – having led teams at OgilvyOne and The Economist Group – Tong is known for bringing people together around causes that matter. She is also a sought-after speaker and workshop leader on service programs, volunteer engagement and nonprofit capacity-building.

“All over the world, volunteers are catalysts for positive change—but nonprofits on the front lines must be equipped and empowered to channel this spirit to serve into meaningful action,” said Catherine Tong. “I’m honored to join the Points of Light board to help advance our mission of building strong, resilient communities where volunteerism is woven into the fabric of society and everyone can thrive.”

Tong holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Technology in Sydney. In 2024, she was awarded a competitive scholarship from the Harvard Business School Association Hong Kong to join the ‘Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management’ program at Harvard Business School – further deepening her leadership and impact in the sector.

She joined the Points of Light Board effective June 3, 2025.

ABOUT POINTS OF LIGHT

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs in communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries. For more information, visit www.pointsoflight.org/.