United Way Announces New Director

United Way Announces New Director

Friday, February 25, 2011

New Executive Director Sharon Gibson-Ellis.

The United Way of Greater Williamsburg announced Friday that Sharon Gibson-Ellis will take over as the new executive director. Gibson-Ellis will replace retiring director Sharron Cornelius, who will leave in early April after serving in the position for 14 years. Gibson-Ellis has most recently served as the Chief Professional Officer of the United Way of Muscatine in Iowa.

“The United Way Search Committee did an outstanding job in leading us to Sharon Gibson-Ellis and we are confident that she will maintain the excellent leadership United Way has enjoyed for many years,” says Bob Graves, President of the UWGW Board. “She has a proven track record of success with United Way and her vision, energy and enthusiasm will be well received in our community.”

In Iowa, Gibson-Ellis helped her organization update their technology systems and increased the community campaign by 10 percent.

She has worked with the United Way in various capacities since 1977, serving as associate director and executive director for Benton and Lincoln Counties in Oregon. She has also owned a small business and has extensive experience as a teacher, trainer and facilitator for a host of courses and programs on non-profit management, resource development and accountability.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to be part of the Greater Williamsburg communities and specifically to follow in the footsteps of a well-respected and proven leader at the United Way of Greater Williamsburg,” says Gibson-Ellis.

She’ll begin her position on April 4, and Cornelius will stay on through April 8 to ensure a smooth transition.

“It will be difficult to say goodbye to a well-respected leader like Sharron Cornelius,” adds Graves. “But we are grateful for the legacy she leaves and confident that Sharon Gibson-Ellis is the right person to lead the United Way as we head into our next chapter.”

Comments

0 #3 Guest 2011-03-02 13:01

United Way volunteers raise funds for specific programs that meet vital community needs. More than 80 volunteers are trained to verify the quality, effectiveness, and measurable outcomes of the programs. Administration of the agency is not being funded, rather programs are funded and outcomes are tracked. This is a "value add" service United Way provides to our community. Any interested member of our community is always welcome to contact United Way and learn more about our organization, the funding process and the collaborative work that United Way does in this community. Please call the office at 253-2264 or email Sharron at sharron.cornelius

uwgw.org.

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+2 #2 Guest 2011-02-28 11:10

All agencies have administration fees, if you think you give them $100 and it goes to direct client service, think again! United Way does more than raise money - they validate where that money is going and that it's going to agencies who are providing quality services to their clients! Last time I heard, their "administration fees" were under 15%, I've not checked lately, but that is way under the national average for admin fees. Those that donate usually research before they donate - maybe you should do the same thing before making such a comment about a non-profit who does so much for this community.

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+5 #1 Guest 2011-02-25 15:18

I don't know why anybody would donate to the united way when they can just donate money to the charity of their choice. That way all of the money get to where you want it to go with no ADMINISTRATION fee being kept by the united way.

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