Executive Compensation at United Way (2022)

United Way is one of the most recognizable charitable organizations in the United States and throughout the world.  In the United States, “United Way” generally refers to United Way Worldwide (formerly United Way of America) and/or one of the 1,100 local offices in 37 countries and territories that operate as separate 501 (c) (3)’s.

United Way Worldwide (UWW) is the leadership and support organization for the whole United Way network. Each organization collects funds and makes grants to local organizations, and also contributes a portion of the revenue collected to United Way Worldwide to support oversight operations.  However, UWW also makes grants, primarily back to United Way member organizations.

In 2022, UWW awarded 27% of revenue in grants (compared to 36% in 2021 and 66% in 2020), primarily to other United Way organizations and foreign organizations.

In 2022, UWW reported total revenue of $98 million (compared to $113 million in 2021, $255 million in 2020, $249 million in 2019 and $219 million in 2018), most of which came from contributions, gifts, and grants and membership dues.

Expenses totaled $84 million with the 3 largest expenses reported to be grants ($27 million), compensation ($26 million) and fees for services by non-employees – primarily consultants and contract employees ($23 million). In comparing expenses to the previous years, it appears UWW, when faced with a decline in revenues, cut grants drastically while maintaining staff and consultants (to a lesser extent).

In 2022, 244 employees received $26 million in compensation, which equates to $107,000 per employee.  90 employees received more than $100,000 in compensation with the 17 most highly compensated reported to be:

• $750,513:  Angela Williams, CEO
• $369,435:  Steve Taylor, SVP and Counsel, Public Policy (to 8/22)
• $363,506:  Brian Gallagher, Former President and CEO (to 2/9/21)
• $350,620:  Sonal Shah, EVP, Network Operations (1/22-12/22)
• $322,330:  John Taylor, Chief Information Officer (to 7/22)
• $316,234:  Brian LaChance, SVP and Chief of Staff (to 2/22)
• $300,709:  Odessa Jackson, General Counsel and CRO (begin 3/22)
• $297,625:  LaDawn Naegle, EVP, Chief of Staff
• $296,008:  Leonel Parra, EVP, CFO (2/22-6/22)
• $293,953:  Kevin Claybon, SVP, Data Research and Insights
• $253,915:  Jacqueline Gordon, EVP, People and Culture
• $235,581:  Bruce Friedman, SVP, Finance and Controller (begin 3/22)
• $229,303:  Omoiye Kinney, EVP, Marketing and Communications (begin 3/22)
• $222,607:  Stanley Little, Chief Experience Officer (to 3/22)
• $183,333:  Mark Sutton, CFO to (2/22)
• $199,934:  Lee Love, Chief Investor Relations Officer (to 3/22)
• $196,238:  Alice Archcabal, EVP, Development (begin 6/22)

As listed above, the exit of Brian Gallagher, the former President and CEO (to 2/21) brought in a new President and CEO, Angela Williams, and a lot of changes in staffing (12 staff exits from the list above).

The 17 most highly compensated employees received $5 million in compensation.  10 of the 17 (59%) most highly compensated employees are male while 7 (41%) are female.  The most highly compensated employee was the President and CEO, Angela Williams, who received $750,513.  The form President and CEO,  Mr. Gallagher received $12 million in compensation from 2015-2022:

• 2022:  $  363,506
• 2021:  $3,622,146
• 2020:  $1,246,713
• 2019:  $1,578,515
• 2018:  $1,076,870
• 2017:  $1,663,398
• 2016:  $1,223,823
• 2015:  $1,236,611

UWW paid for first class or charter travel.  For more information on this expense and the supplemental retirement plan, see the Form 990, Schedule J, Part III, Supplemental Information.

To read the IRS Form 990 (2022), click here.