Angela F. Williams Appointed United Way Worldwide’s First Woman and African-American President/CEO

Angela F. Williams will be United Way Worldwide’s next president and CEO, becoming the first woman and African-American to lead the organization.

“I am absolutely honored to join the world’s leading charity at a key moment in the organization’s history and world events,” Williams said in a Sept. 9 press release, “Around the world, issues of health, education, and economic sustainability are at the forefront of ensuring equality and access to a good quality of life. I recognize and appreciate the tremendous role that United Way Worldwide plays in supporting individuals and families and transforming communities.”

Williams begins her appointment on Oct. 15, bringing many years of leadership experience with her.

She has served as CEO of Easterseals, a non-profit organization providing services for the elderly and people with disabilities, since 2018. In total, she has more than 30 years of management experience with non-profit organizations, including YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), where she spent 11 years as executive vice president, general counsel, and chief administration officer.

Before her position at Y-USA, she was the interfaith liaison for the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, where she helped manage financial support for houses of worship in areas impacted by the hurricane.

Her past accolades include making Forbes‘ 2021 List of Women 50 Over 50 Creating Social Change at Scale.

Williams, an Anderson, SC, native, earned her bachelor’s degree in American government from University of Virginia, a juris doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law, and a Master of Divinity cum laude from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University.

She’s an ordained minister and a volunteer pastor with her husband, Reverend Roderick Williams.

“We wanted a leader who could mobilize our United Way Network, our supporters, and United Way Worldwide around a clear vision grounded in the imperative to create greater impact, equity and growth in communities,” Dr. Juliette M. Tuakli, chair of United Way Worldwide board of trustees, said in the press release. “Angela’s background and experience make her uniquely suited to create and drive this vision. The CEO search committee was impressed by her strategic acumen, innovative thinking, and purpose-driven mindset, which we believe will offer a fresh perspective in reimagining United Way and ensuring that we remain relevant and impactful for years to come.”