April 27, 2007

United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley Charts Course for Leadership Transition

BOSTON – The Board of Directors of United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley announced today that Cathy M. Minehan, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, will lead a 14-member search committee to recruit a new President and CEO of the organization. As previously announced, current President and CEO Milton J. Little, Jr. will be leaving his Boston-area post to become President and Chief Professional Officer of United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, a move that will allow Little to live closer to his and his wife’s family. The committee will work diligently to identify a senior-level executive with extensive experience to lead the organization.

Mary Kay Leonard will serve as Interim President and CEO of UWMB/MV, beginning at the end of June. Leonard is currently Group Vice President of Investor Relations at United Way of America , and she worked at the Boston-area United Way from 2000 to 2005 as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Chief Operating Officer.

“We are thrilled Mary Kay has agreed to temporarily step in to continue our momentum and lead our team,” said Robert M. Mahoney, Chairman of the Board of Directors of UWMB/MV. “Her knowledge of the staff and the work will enable her to hit the ground running.”

United Way’s Board of Directors also announced today the promotion of Jeffery Hayward to Senior Vice President for Community Impact, a position formerly held by Marilyn Anderson Chase. Hayward is currently Vice President for Community Impact at UWMB/MV. A Lynn native and former state representative, Hayward will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and guidance to UWMB/MV staff and overseeing United Way's $34 million community investment budget, volunteer engagement activities and public policy initiatives.

“ Our ability to move quickly is a testament to the depth and expertise of the United Way staff, the respect that the organization has in our community, the strength of our partnerships and the commitment of our prestigious Board,” Mahoney said. “We have a great game plan in place and the right people in place to make it work. The children and families who count on United Way each day to improve their quality of life deserve the best, and I am confident we will deliver on that promise.”