After a nationwide search that attracted more than 100 applicants, United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) has chosen Jill Briggs of Beaufort, SC, as its next President and CEO.
Briggs, who currently serves as Executive Vice President of the United Way of Lowcountry, SC, will take the helm when outgoing UWNA President and CEO Kerry Blume retires in June.
“I am pleased and honored to be selected to serve United Way of Northern Arizona in this capacity,” said Briggs, a 17-year veteran of the United Way system. “United Way of Northern Arizona has a long history of working collaboratively and creatively to provide excellent service to the citizens of this community. I am eager to continue the tradition, and look forward to joining volunteers, partners, staff and community members to fuel the momentum that already exists in the impact areas of education, income and health.”
During her tenure with United Way of Lowcountry, Briggs carried direct responsibilities in resource development, communications and community impact. She initiated an Early Grade Reading Impact Initiative that helps children read at their grade level. This initiative, which is fueled by 300 volunteer tutors, is now in place at eight elementary schools in the United Way of Lowcountry area. Briggs was also instrumental in establishing a Success by 6 program in her area, and she created the first United Way Day of Caring for United Way of Lowcountry, with more than 150 volunteers providing assistance to partner agencies across two counties.
Outgoing President and CEO Kerry Blume said, “I am thrilled to have Jill take the helm. Jill brings a track record of success that is just what UWNA needs to advance our work in education, income and health.”
The UWNA Board of Directors discovered Briggs with the help of Hagel & Company, an executive search firm specializing in nonprofit management recruiting. The Board worked closely with Frank Hagel to identify criteria for the next leader of UWNA, and Hagel then conducted dozens of interviews with stakeholders from the community to ensure the community’s involvement in the selection process as well.
After screening more than 100 applicants from across the nation and conducting initial interviews, three top candidates were selected for the position. The finalists met with members of the Board, UWNA Staff, and stakeholders from the local community at Little America on April 22, 2013. During the session, each candidate made individual presentations to position their strengths. The UWNA Board of Directors then met on April 24, 2013 and appointed Briggs to be the next President and CEO of UWNA. Steve Peru, UWNA Chairman of the Board said, “the search process was exhaustive, inclusive and focused on finding the right person to fill this important role in our community and the UWNA Board of Directors are confident that in Jill, we have the very best.”
“With 28 years of progressively more responsible positions in the nonprofit arena – more than 16 years of which have been spent at United Way of the Lowcountry – I see in this position an opportunity to put to full use my well-developed leadership, intellectual, creative, and mission-oriented capacities,” Briggs said. “United Way of Northern Arizona is implementing a business plan that will result in ever-increasing organizational relevance, and measureable community impact. I am interested in providing the fuel that will power the momentum of this effective paradigm.”
Briggs holds a BA from the University of South Carolina with emphasis in Business, Finance and Organizational Psychology. In her spare time, Jill enjoys spending time with her daughter Maya who attends Colorado State University and riding her two horses, Ziggy and Marcie.
About United Way
United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,800 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way of Northern Arizona please visit: www.nazunitedway.org