United Way for Southeastern Michigan vice president to serve as interim CEO at Michigan Association of United Ways

PRESS RELEASE

June 22, 2006

Media Contact(s):
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or pager, 313-840-1948
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321

DETROIT - Effective today, Richard J. David will serve as the interim CEO at the Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW), in Lansing, while a nationwide search is conducted to replace former CEO Christopher Nelson, who is leaving to pursue other interests.

David is currently the vice president of Strategic Relations at United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM), in Detroit. He will work in Lansing three days a week and continue to carry out his duties at UWSEM.

“We support Rick’s new role and are happy to assist the Michigan Association of United Ways during this transitional period,” said Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “His leadership and extensive experience in community building will help the organization get a running start on its new business model.”

As interim CEO, David is responsible for the day-to-day work of MAUW and will assist the transitional committee charged with hiring a new CEO. He will also lead the statewide organization in creating a new business model focused on developing a coordinated statewide agenda for the nearly 50 United Ways in Michigan. This also entails working to position the organization as a public policy advocate that advances the interests of the communities United Way serves in Michigan.

“I am honored to serve the statewide organization, its stakeholders, the transition committee, and the member United Ways with the needed support and leadership required to move forward,” said David.

David brings a wealth of experience, having worked in the United Way system for nearly 30 years. He has served at seven United Ways, including United Way International. Most recently, David was the president of United Way of Oakland County, and was an integral part of the team charged with creating United Way for Southeastern Michigan. The new United Way was formed in April of 2005 when United Way of Oakland County and United Way Community Services dissolved to create a more effective and efficient organization representing the southeast Michigan region. In his current role at UWSEM, David is responsible for developing partnerships and working with the community to assist the organization in making progress against pressing issues facing the community.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

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