The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, a regional charity and volunteer network, searched across the country for someone to replace Jill Michal, the former president and CEO, who stepped down last spring.

After six months, their search ended in Harrisburg. United Way’s regional Board of Directors announced earlier today, January 13, that outgoing Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley will take the position.

The board cited Cawley’s diverse background, including experience in multiple public sector positions and the private sector, as one of reasons he was selected.

“I look forward to working alongside Jim; his enthusiasm for the work and his mix of public and private sector experience will allow him to lead our regional team effectively and enhance our ability to drive greater impact for those in need, from Chester County to Cape May,” said Mindy Holman, incoming chair of the regional Board of Directors and president and CEO of Holman Automotive Group, in a press release.

Cawley’s background is very different from that of the last president and CEO, Jill Michal, who worked at the organization for seven years in various roles before taking the top position in 2008.

United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey is a local chapter of a national network of charities. It invests $60 million per year in efforts to improve education, income and health for vulnerable populations.