United Way of NYC Names Sheena Wright as New President & CEO

NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- United Way of New York City today announced that Sheena Wright will be the new President and CEO, effective mid-November.  Ms. Wright has served as the President and CEO of Abyssinian Development Corporation (ADC) since 2002 and is a former Board member of United Way of NYC. A lawyer by training, Ms. Wright will be the first woman to lead United Way of NYC in its 75-year history, and will succeed Gordon J. Campbell, who led the organization from 2007 until September 1 of this year.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121004/NY86960 )

"The success of United Way of New York City is important to the United Way network throughout the United States and worldwide.  I believe Sheena Wright's experience in community and economic development will serve United Way well," said Brian A. Gallagher, President and CEO, United Way Worldwide.

"In what will be our 75^th anniversary year, Sheena's hiring as our first female president is historic," said United Way of NYC Board Chair Bob Kueppers. "Sheena is someone who is deeply committed to our city's neediest residents, and has demonstrated tremendous leadership and success in delivering on that commitment.  I join the rest of the Board in welcoming her."

"Sheena Wright embodies the mission of United Way of New York City and demonstrates what can happen when young people are given the assistance they need to reach their full potential. Her work across the corporate and nonprofit sectors, as well as her own personal experiences, make her the ideal choice to lead this iconic New York City organization as it continues its important work, improving the lives of low-income New Yorkers through its initiatives in education, income and health," said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. "I'd like to commend United Way of New York City for selecting such an accomplished leader to serve as its first female CEO."

"I have known Sheena Wright through her work with Starbucks on our community store project in Harlem," said Howard Schultz, Chairman and CEO, Starbucks Coffee Company. "She is one of the most energetic and passionate community leaders that Starbucks has ever had the pleasure of working with. I'm delighted that Sheena is taking over this new leadership role at the United Way to fight hunger and poverty in New York City."

"I am thrilled to be embarking on this new chapter as President and CEO of United Way of NYC. I look forward to continuing and strengthening United Way's work to improve the lives of low income New Yorkers through initiatives in health, education and income," said Sheena Wright. "I grew up in the South Bronx with a teen mother who raised my sister and me by herself. The strength and fortitude of my mother combined with the help of community programs allowed me to accomplish everything I have today. I have seen first-hand how profound United Way's impact is in our City, and I'm thrilled to have the chance to extend that impact day in and day out on behalf of all of New York's communities." 

Ms. Wright's personal connection to the work of United Way of NYC makes her uniquely positioned to take on the role of CEO as a true embodiment of the organization's mission. Additionally, her experience in both the corporate and nonprofit worlds will be invaluable as United Way of NYC seeks to strengthen ties between these sectors.

As President and CEO of ADC, Ms. Wright has been responsible for leading and managing one of the nation's premier community and economic development organizations.  During her tenure, ADC built 785 units of residential housing in 78 buildings and nearly a half million square feet of community, commercial and retail space, including the first new high school building in Harlem in 50 years, creating over 1,000 jobs in the process. 

Under her leadership, ADC created the "Abyssinian Schools" division, which comprehensively manages five educational institutions that annually serve 2,100 school children and their families. Ms. Wright developed an award winning workforce development program which has helped 200 young high school drop-outs obtain their GED or high school diploma and secure gainful employment.  She also developed a neighborhood based Naturally Recurring Retirement Community that annually serves over 1,000 seniors and increased the service delivery of ADC's homeless shelter.

Ms. Wright previously served as Chief Operating Officer of ADC.  Prior to ADC, she served as the General Counsel and EVP of Business Development for Crave Technologies, a Senior Associate at the law firm of Reboul, MacMurray, Hewitt, Maynard and Kristol, and an Associate at the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen and Katz.

In addition to her new role at United Way of NYC, Ms. Wright serves on the board of trustees of the Vera Institute for Justice and the New York City Regional Economic Development Council.  She is a graduate of Columbia University, which she entered at age 16, received her law degree from Columbia Law School, and is a member of the New York State Bar.

Comments from public figures on CEO announcement:

Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City
"Sheena represents a new generation of leaders in our city who are both highly respected professionals and totally rooted in their community. She is a great choice for the United Way. I'm proud that she will be the first woman to lead the organization and know she will be effective in expanding their partnerships with the city's corporate employers.   

Kim Davis, President JPMorgan Chase Foundation
"I've had the privilege of seeing Sheena at work. She shares our values when it comes to improving education and creating better opportunities for all of our students. The JPMorgan Chase Foundation team looks forward to working closely with Sheena as she leads the United Way of New York City's efforts to change the odds for our most vulnerable families."

About United Way of New York City
United Way of New York City fights poverty across the five boroughs.  With a focus on improving education, bolstering income stability and building healthier communities, we work with people and organizations from all sectors to design and invest in outcome-driven initiatives that ensure low-income New Yorkers are able to meet basic needs and build a better future.  We rigorously evaluate our work and use lessons learned to inform and advance public policies, systems and practices that prevent and alleviate poverty citywide. We believe that everyone has a role to play in creating pathways out of poverty.  We actively seek to engage committed New Yorkers as donors, volunteers and advocates.  To learn more, visit UnitedWayNYC.org.

SOURCE United Way of New York City