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Biz Journal: United Way continues search to replace CEO

July 16, 2014 Category: Uncategorized

This article was originally published by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey is currently on a nationwide search to replace former president and CEO Jill Michal.

The search committee will be led by vice chair Mindy Holman, president and CEO of Holman Automotive Group, and board member Carl Buccholz, partner at law firm DLA Piper.

The nationwide search will take a minimum of six months, said Lon Greenberg, chairman of UGI Corp./Amerigas and chairman of United Way’s board of directors.

“We intend to conduct a national search. That’s not to say that there aren’t a number of well-qualified people in our region,” Greenberg said, “but we want to make sure we are considering as many well-qualified people for this role because it’s a critical role for the community. It makes sense to do a national search.”

Meanwhile, Anthony Conti will act as the interim president and CEO. His role was effective on July 1, coinciding with the start of United Way’s fiscal year. Conti is a retired managing partner of PricewaterhouseCooper’s Philadelphia office and a former board member of United Way.

“I knew Tony met my first requirement. [He was] supportive of United Way, knows the organization and believes in what we’re doing,” said Greenberg, who’s known Conti for 15 years. “Secondly, Tony’s reputation is impeccable. He’s got immense credibility in the community and is extraordinarily well-regarded.”

Furthermore, Greenberg said: “He is one of the very few people who could keep the organization running effectively internally and externally.”

Michal’s resignation was effective on June 30, coinciding with the organization’s fiscal year-end and the start of a new, three-year funding cycle. Michal became president and CEO in August 2008, after spending seven years as executive vice president, operations and CFO.

Greenberg, who led the search committee that hired Michal, said the board of directors reluctantly accepted Michal’s resignation.

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“What she said was, ‘Leaders know when it’s time to leave and give somebody else a chance to lead,'” Greenberg said. “And the time was right for her to leave.”

Greenberg also said Michal will take her resignation as a time to “step back” to examine and evaluate her progress in order to consider ways “to be more effective” and make sure she’s accomplishing her goals.

“It’s a high-intensity job,” Greenberg said. “I fully understand her wanting to take a step back for the summer. All I can tell you is she’s sitting back and trying to enjoy life a little.”

When Michal was promoted to CEO, she led the organization through the economic recession and spearheaded the merger of United Way’s seven Philadelphia-South Jersey chapters in 2012.

“Jill guided this organization through a severe economic downturn and helped United Way evolve into a strategic investor in the health and human services sector, making even more meaningful impact in this community. Her contributions cannot be overstated,” Greenberg said earlier.

During her tenure at United Way, Michal was named a “Woman of Distinction” and “40 Under 40” by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Prior to joining United Way, Michal spent eight years at accounting firm Arthur Andersen LLP in several management positions.

Photo via United Way 

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