United Way of the Columbia-Willamette President/CEO Stepping Down

"Losing Brent is disappointing because his leadership and management have, without question, built a more effective organization," - United Way Chair Roger Hinshaw.

Brent Stewart Photo courtesy: The United Way

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - United Way of the Columbia-Willamette (UWCW) President/CEO, Brent Stewart, announced his resignation from the organization effective March 14th.

Mr. Stewart is leaving to accept the position of President and CEO of United Way of Greater Kansas City. "I am grateful for the chance to have served the Portland/Vancouver region for the past four years. It was an honor serving alongside many members of the community who are passionate about making long-lasting changes in our region," said Stewart.

"Accepting the position at Kansas City allows me the opportunity to impact as many lives as possible through my work with United Way. Among 1,300 United Ways in the nation, UWGKC ranks 23rd in terms of dollars raised. In my new role, I look forward to furthering the mission of United Way by increasing the capacity of people to care for one another."

Members of the UWCW Board of Directors have formed a search committee headed by Tina Foster, regional manager of US Bank and UWCW board chair-elect. "Losing Brent is disappointing because his leadership and management have, without question, built a more effective organization," said United Way of the Columbia-Willamette Board of Directors Chair Roger Hinshaw. "However, because of his great work, and that of a dedicated board and staff, we are well-positioned to build on our current momentum and move forward in effectively and efficiently serving those in need."

Stewart's long list of accomplishments during his four-year tenure at UWCW includes:

* Cutting overhead expenses from 31% to 16.4%

* Obtaining a prestigious four-star rating from Charity Navigator, a national charity watchdog.

* Introducing a new Community Impact funding model that promotes collaboration and efficiency among service providers, innovation in solving problems, accountability, and measurable results.

* Completing a comprehensive community needs assessment.

* Building coalitions with dozens of community partners.

* Strengthening the organization's reputation. UWCW was recently voted one of the top 10 most admired non-profits in the area by CEOs in a Business Journal survey.

* Raising over $53 million in the past three years to support vital services in our community. Revenues from this year's campaign are expected to be 10% above last year.

* Launching United Way Cornerstone Partners and creating an endowment fund along with a planned giving program to address the long-term needs of the organization.

In Kansas City, Stewart will replace Susan Stanton, who has been serving as Interim President and CEO since April, when Bi-County United Way, Heart of America United Way (including Northland United Way Services) and United Way of Johnson County merged into one organization: United Way of Greater Kansas City.

UWGKC raised $40.4 million in 2006 and is approximately twice the size of UWCW in terms of staff and donations raised. Stewart was selected from a field of 75 candidates in the national search and will officially begin his new duties as UWGKC President and CEO on April 1st 2008, after completing several pending projects at the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.

For more information about United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, visit unitedway-pdx.org.

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette invests donor contributions in health and human services in Clark, Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. Volunteers and community experts identify critical issues and make investment decisions that are targeted at the region's most serious challenges. Through a commitment to collaboration, partnership and measured results, United Way improves people's lives and creates long-term change in the community.

Source: United Way