For Immediate Release
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United Way of Greater Houston Announces Retirement of VP of Mission & Strategy Margaret Oser; Promotion of Mary Vazquez to VP and Chief Impact Officer
HOUSTON, TX (January 28, 2026) – United Way of Greater Houston today announced the retirement of Vice President of Mission & Strategy Margaret Oser and the promotion of Mary Vazquez to Vice President and Chief Impact Officer. Vazquez will assume her new role on June 1.
Margaret Oser, who has served as Vice President of Mission & Strategy for the past eight years, will conclude her tenure in August 2026 after nearly thirteen years of service at United Way and almost three and a half decades of service in the nonprofit sector. Throughout her leadership, Oser has provided executive oversight and strategic stewardship of more than $500 million in community investments, advancing impact through partnerships and collaboration with over 100 funded partner organizations. In addition, she has led several mission-critical initiatives, including United Way THRIVE, the organization’s signature financial stability program that has become a national model for other United Ways across the country. Oser’s longstanding commitment to quality early education and out of school time enrichment has propelled significant growth in several key education initiatives such as United Way Bright Beginnings, Early Reach, and Out2Learn.
Most notably, Oser has led the development and implementation of United Way’s Integrated Client Journey, Navigation Network, and the Integrated Client Journey technology tool—innovations designed to empower individuals and families to build personalized pathways toward long-term financial stability. This groundbreaking new strategy represents a first-of-its-kind model that is setting a new standard for how United Ways approach their work across the country.
“Margaret has served as an integral leader in advancing cross-sector and public-private partnerships focused on critical community issues, including homelessness, workforce development, education, economic development, and economic mobility,” said Amanda McMillian, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston. “We’re deeply grateful for the experience, perspective, and heart she has brought to United Way and our whole nonprofit community. Greater Houston is a better place today because of her leadership.”
In connection with Oser’s retirement, United Way is unifying its two community impact divisions under Vazquez’s leadership to strengthen alignment across the programs, partnerships and systems that support individuals and families throughout Greater Houston. Vazquez, who currently serves as Vice President of Community Outreach for United Way, will add leadership of United Way’s mission and strategy operations with responsibility for the ongoing growth and development of United Way’s financial stability services, the programs and partner network at the core of the organization’s mission.
“Mary’s leadership, vision and deep understanding of our community uniquely position her to guide a unified team to expand our impact,” said McMillian. “As we celebrate Margaret Oser’s legacy of service and leadership, we are grateful to have Mary assume this expanded role, ensuring continuity while encouraging cross-functional collaboration and enhanced impact for the communities we serve.”
Vazquez has led many important initiatives during her three-decade tenure at United Way designed to increase the capacity of the nonprofit sector, such as United Way Nonprofit Connection and Project Blueprint to ensure nonprofits have the training, resources and networks to amplify their impact. Under her leadership, the 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE has grown into the largest 211 center in Texas and one of the nation’s largest. Vazquez played a pivotal role in designing and implementing the current infrastructure that connects more than 1.2 million people annually to critical services and programs.
Additionally, she leads United Way’s disaster response efforts, including developing and implementing grantmaking strategies that guided the efficient distribution of more than $100 million in resources in the last 9 years to where they were needed most. Vazquez convenes and leads disaster long-term recovery groups and was integral in establishing the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance, a philanthropic partnership with Greater Houston Community Foundation.
“I’m honored to step into this expanded role and build on the strong foundation established by both Margaret and our broader leadership team,” said Vazquez. “By bringing these efforts together, we can deepen collaboration, move faster and continue to increase our impact for our neighbors who are working to land on their feet and stay there.”
To learn more about the work of United Way of Greater Houston and to donate, visit unitedwayhouston.org
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About United Way of Greater Houston
United Way of Greater Houston connects people to possibility. We unite donors, volunteers and community partners in support of a focused plan to remove barriers on the path to financial stability
for families and individuals. Programs focused on financial stability, youth opportunity, healthy community, and community resiliency help our neighbors land on their feet and stay there. For
families and individuals who are ready, our Integrated Client Journey removes barriers on the path to financial stability. United Way also connects our neighbors to help, hope and critical resources
24/7/365 through the 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE. Our community investments are backed by research, ensured by good stewardship and deliver results. For more information, visit
www.unitedwayhouston.org.