HOUSTON (April 29, 2020) –United Way of Greater Houston Board of Trustees has appointed Amanda M. McMillian as the organization’s president and CEO effective May 1, 2020. She succeeds Anna M. Babin, who previously announced she would step down after leading the organization for 14 years once the new CEO was in place.
“Amanda’s passion for United Way, as well as her experience as a collaborative, caring and forward-thinking corporate and nonprofit leader, make her the perfect choice to lead the organization following our nationwide search,” said Armando Perez, United Way of Greater Houston board chair. “Under her direction, we know our Second Century Vision will be tremendously impactful as we focus our efforts on serving and being the champion for our area’s most vulnerable families and individuals.”
Perez added, “We also want to thank Anna again for her incredible guidance and many accomplishments over the past 14 years with United Way. We will continue to build on the great work she has done for our community.” He noted that Babin will remain with United Way as a senior advisor to assist with the transition.
An accomplished business leader, McMillian most recently served as executive vice president and general counsel for Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, where she was a member of the executive committee and was responsible for Anadarko’s legal, human resources and real estate and facilities functions until August 2019.
“As a long-time donor and supporter of United Way, I know the incredible impact this organization has in creating a better tomorrow for families all across the greater Houston community,” said McMillian. “I’m humbled and thrilled by the opportunity to help amplify the tremendous work that United Way and our partner agencies are doing every day – whether it’s providing basic needs through our 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE, or helping families create and sustain long-term financial stability.”
McMillian’s nonprofit leadership includes serving as a member of the Board of Trustees of Southwestern University, where she serves as vice-chair of the Investment Committee and served as chair of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee and as past president of Southwestern’s Board of Visitors. Until her appointment to United Way, she served on the Board of Directors of the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center and the Advisory Board of the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra. As past president of the Arboretum, McMillian led the organization through an award-winning master planning and rebuilding process in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike and a devastating drought.
McMillian expressed her appreciation for United Way of Greater Houston’s impact in the community, especially given recent events. “Our friends and neighbors need us now more than ever to help light the way to a better future, and I feel blessed that our talented employees, dedicated donors and volunteers, and engaged agency partners can light that way together,” she said.
McMillian holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southwestern University and received both a Master of Arts and a Juris Doctor from Duke University.
In her role, McMillian will guide United Way’s new strategic direction, Second Century Vision, which strengthens the organization’s focus on serving and being the champion for the area’s most vulnerable families and individuals: the working poor, or ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), and those who fall below the poverty level. Through Second Century Vision, United Way will create and coordinate a network of service providers committed to providing opportunities for vulnerable families and individuals to attain a sustainable quality of life and a pathway to self-sufficiency.
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About United Way of Greater Houston
For nearly 100 years, United Way of Greater Houston has brought together diverse partners and approaches to address the complex challenges holding people back. We are a driving force for good that connects our neighbors with opportunities to thrive. We help our neighbors achieve financial stability. We provide services that support the physical and behavioral health of families and youth along with educational services that expand their skills and horizons. We provide a safety net that catches the most vulnerable. We manage every donation with care to make the greatest impact across the four-county region of Fort Bend, Harris, Montgomery and Waller counties. We connect neighbors with help 24/7 through our 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE. For more information, please visit, www.unitedwayhouston.org.