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United Way Announces Departure of Executive Director Sean Garrett to Lead United Way of Metro Chicago

United Way of Central Carolinas (UWCC) announced today that Executive Director Sean Garrett has notified the UWCC Board of Directors of his decision to resign from his role in Charlotte to accept the CEO position with United Way of Metro Chicago.

 

Garrett joined UWCC in March 2015 as the fifth leader in the organization’s 86-year history. He will remain in Charlotte through early September. A process is already underway by the UWCC Board of Directors to identify a new leader.

 

During his time with UWCC, Garrett led a modernization of the United Way operational model and oversaw a transformation of the organization’s community impact strategy and funding process.  Focusing on improving education, health and financial stability, UWCC’s new impact strategy works to boost economic mobility across the region, while also helping provide a safety net for people and families in need.

 

UWCC recently announced the investment of $24.5 million into the community, with $16.3 million going toward the organization’s community impact strategy and $8.2 million in donor directed funding.

 

“I want to thank Sean for the significant contributions he has made during his time in Charlotte. He has worked tirelessly to connect donors, volunteers and partners to the impact work needed in our community,” said Wes Beckner, UWCC board chair and BB&T regional president. “Fortunately, Sean has assembled a strong leadership team that is passionate about making a difference in the lives of neighbors across our region. I am confident the organization is in good hands and will continue its transformational work.”

 

Under Garrett’s leadership, UWCC launched three major initiatives last year – United Neighborhoods to drive neighborhood revitalization, Unite Charlotte to improve racial equity and increase social capital, and Tutor Charlotte to provide reading mentors for children in grades K-3. Garrett has spent his entire career in the United Way network, including five years in fundraising roles with Metro Chicago from 2005-2010.

 

“Charlotte welcomed me with open arms and afforded me the opportunity to work on our community’s most pressing issues. It has been the privilege of my career to be part of our community’s efforts to drive opportunity for all,” said Garrett. “Leaving Charlotte is a difficult decision, but it will allow my family to return to the Chicago area where my wife’s professional career is based, while letting me continue the work I care so deeply about. I am excited to take the lessons I have learned in Charlotte and apply them to my new work in Chicago.”

Source: UWCC News Release
Date: July 26, 2018