Over the past two and a half years, I’ve used this space to share important updates related to the work of United Way. Today, I share some personal news.
After careful and heartfelt consideration, I have decided to move on from United Way. This fall, I will be joining the leadership team at Temple University. I did not proactively seek this position, but Temple is my alma mater and holds a special place in my heart. When this opportunity presented itself, I felt compelled to accept the offer.
It’s been my privilege to serve United Way. Together with our Board, our team has considered and made great strides toward making changes to strengthen United Way’s position in its second century. This work included significant long-range planning and early execution devoted to refining and clarifying our Impact strategy to create more powerful community change and identifying new ways for raising money to support our work in the community.
It’s often said that there is never a “right” time to leave, but with all that we have accomplished together – a refined Impact Fund investment framework, cultivating new multi-year fundraising commitments, and the confidence of the Board and staff in our new direction – I know that I’m leaving United Way and the incredible team I had the privilege to work alongside in a position to succeed and take the next steps necessary for the future.
My focus now is on ensuring a smooth transition for interim president and CEO, Mike DiCandilo, a long-serving member of our Board of Directors and former executive vice president and chief financial officer of AmerisourceBergen. Mike is a perfect choice to lead UWGPSNJ during this time of transition, particularly with respect to furthering the timely decisions the organization’s Board, leadership, and staff have been making in support of the long-range plan. Mike has been a longtime supporter of United Way, an active member of our Board since 2008, and a key member of our Audit and Finance Committees. We are grateful to Mike for lending his leadership and expertise at this important moment for the organization. A national search, overseen by a Search Committee led by Board members Mindy Holman and John Salveson, will also be conducted to identify a new president and CEO for UWGPSNJ.
It will not be easy to leave United Way. This team’s dedication and passion for serving those in need is unmatched. There is truly no other organization that can do for this region what United Way does each and every day to bring people together to advance our common good. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve this great organization and our community, and I look forward to watching what comes next.