April 10, 2007

Milton J. Little, Jr., President & CEO of United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley to assume leadership of United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta

BOSTON – United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley announced today that Milton J. Little, Jr., has advised his Board of Directors that he will be leaving his Boston-area post to become president and chief professional officer of United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. Little came to the Boston-based United Way as president and CEO in June, 2004. His tenure is marked by several major achievements that include the recent merger of two United Ways in eastern Massachusetts; a partnership that will strengthen the organization’s efforts to address the region’s pressing community needs. The move is primarily driven by Little’s desire to live closer to his and his wife’s family. He will assume his new role in Atlanta at the end of June, 2007.

Robert M. Mahoney, Chairman of UWMB/MV said, “ In just three years, Milton has had a tremendous impact on the United Way, the organizations we serve and the Boston community.  We are sad to see him go, but we know Milton’s commitment to the United Way of Massachusetts Bay is superseded only by his commitment to his family.  To that end, we understand and appreciate his decision to move to Atlanta to be closer to his family, and we are happy that he will remain part of the United Way organization there.”

“I have been blessed with the opportunity of leading this distinguished organization,” Little said. “Working with United Way’s dedicated staff, who day-in and day-out applies innovative approaches to improve lives for children and families in our region, has been a rewarding professional experience. When my wife and I moved to Boston, we were embraced by the community and have forged strong roots here that will be sorely missed. Our decision to move to Atlanta, however, is one that is the right move for my family. I look forward to meeting the challenges that lie ahead.”

Known as smart and seasoned leader, Little’s leadership is defined by his vision of making Greater Boston the best place for children in the country. He is a tireless advocate for creating social and economic opportunities for children and families. During his tenure, he has championed United Way as the hub for civic engagement for the community and has fostered a number of bold initiatives that have allowed the organization to grow and thrive. Under his leadership:

• Last fall, United Way of Massachusetts Bay and United Way of Merrimack Valley merged into one entity, a move that leverages resources on a regional level to effect greater change in local communities.
• Donor contributions, which enable the organization to advance its investment goals in the areas of children, youth, employment and housing, have increased more than seven percent during his tenure; and
• United Way has continued its transformation from an organization focused solely on raising and distributing funds to one that is committed to making long-term investments that are the most likely to pay off in real benefits for the community.

“With our organization’s mission in mind, we have taken the first steps to begin a search process and look forward to finding a leader capable of building upon Milton’s many successes and fulfilling our commitment to making a real and lasting difference in our community,” Mahoney said.