A message from the President and CEO
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
To everything there is a season. As Ecclesiastes reminds us, there is a time for every purpose under heaven. After prayerful reflection, I have decided my season of service at United Way Worldwide will come to a close in Spring 2026. I am in discussions with the Board of Trustees to ensure a smooth leadership transition, therefore there is no fixed end date to my tenure. Until the transition is complete, I remain fully committed to our work and to supporting you.
This decision has not been easy. Every step of my work here has drawn upon what shaped me as a daughter, a wife, a veteran, a minister, a federal prosecutor, and a leader committed to service. Early in my life, I discovered that the calling placed on me is to serve with purpose. That calling has guided me through every season, and it guides me now.
I stand at a consequential moment that many of you may recognize. I have lost my father, one of the two most important people in my life. One of the last requests my father made of me was to take care of my mother. I have been balancing the role of caregiver and CEO for several years, and now, I find that this is no longer sustainable. My mother once put her aspirations and goals on hold to raise me and my siblings. We were always first and foremost, especially when my father was away serving our country. She needs me now, and it is my honor to place her at the top of my day-to-day priority list.
One of the things I am certain about is that United Way is built to weather change as long as we work together. I know this because we made difficult choices and wrestled with the vision for a network that transforms to meet the needs of a changing world. Now, our brand is refreshed. Our aspirations are clearer. Our global network is positioned for progress.
One of the greatest joys of my tenure has been walking alongside remarkable leaders. You carry a spirit of neighborliness and a love for humanity that inspires me daily. I am especially proud of the young leaders who have stepped forward through Next Gen and One Young World. Their creativity and courage assure me that the future of United Way is bright.
As I enter my next season, my heart is with my family. I continue to reflect on the life and legacy of my father, whose passing reminds me of the urgency of service rooted in empathy and action. I cherish every moment with my mother, who remains a joy and source of strength. I take this step while honoring my role as wife and co-pastor with my husband, Roderick, and with a renewed focus on the work I am called to do in this chapter of my life.
I will continue to cheer you on, pray for you, and support this network that means so much to me. You have been a blessing in my life. Keep the faith. Your work is sacred and unfinished. We have each been blessed so we can be a blessing. Thank you for the privilege of serving with you. I wish you peace, joy, and abundance in the year ahead and in the seasons to come.
And now, let’s get back to work.