Paige Stephenson named as new President and CEO at United Way of the Piedmont

Alex Evins, chairman of the board of United Way of the Piedmont, said, “I am excited to announce that Paige Stephenson  is  the next President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Piedmont.  Paige has served United Way for almost fifteen years, most recently as Vice President of Resource Development.  She has built strong relationships, both internally and externally, that will move United Way forward in the future, and we are thrilled that she agreed to accept this new challenge.  We look forward to much success under her leadership.  Simply put, Paige is the right person at the right time for United Way of the Piedmont.”

A search committee of current and former board members as well as community leaders evaluated numerous options assisted by Sockwell Partners, a Charlotte-based executive search firm. Mary Helen Wade, search committee chair and current board and management committee member, said, “The search committee recommended Paige Stephenson to the Board of Directors because of her extensive United Way leadership experience, her commitment to the vision of United Way of the Piedmont, and her deep, abiding relationship with corporations, individuals, and nonprofits in this region. We are excited by Ms. Stephenson’s dedication to Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union Counties and her furthering United Way of the Piedmont’s mission to connect, engage and inspire people to transform our community.”

Richard Dillard, retired Milliken executive, served as Interim President/CEO while the search committee performed its duties.  “In a former life, I worked closely with Paige on workplace campaigns and knew her work ethic,” said Dillard.  “Now, from the benefit of an inside perspective, I have seen,  first hand, just how well-suited she is to step in as President & CEO.  Paige knows the community, she understands the relationships, and she is passionate about Spartanburg and taking United Way of the Piedmont to the next level.”

Stephenson holds a Master and Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Consumer Economics from the University of Alabama.  She and her husband, Kyle, made Spartanburg their home in 1993, and she began her Spartanburg career with Young Office as Director of Quality and Marketing before joining United Way of the Piedmont in 2001. 

Stephenson has served in a variety of volunteer leadership capacities. She currently serves as President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals - Piedmont Chapter, Board of Directors Chair for Oakbrook Preparatory School and Director of Club Service for North Spartanburg Rotary Club. She is also a graduate of Spartanburg Regional Fellowes and Leadership Spartanburg.

“I am blessed to have this opportunity to serve my community with a staff and board of directors that are second to none,” said Stephenson. “I have chosen to invest my career with United Way of the Piedmont because I am passionate about its mission, the work being accomplished, and the chance to improve local quality of life. This is an exciting time for our community, and I look forward to serving as President and CEO of an organization that will help impact our community’s future.”

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United Way of the Piedmont is a community based nonprofit organization that seeks to engage local citizens in Giving, Advocacy and Volunteerism. United Way of the Piedmont is governed by a local board of directors and serves Spartanburg, Cherokee & Union Counties. For more information, please visit www.uwpiedmont.org