Executive Compensation at United Way (2023)

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 1,800 local offices in 40 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 2023, UWW awarded 31% of revenue in grants (compared to 27% in 2022, 36% in 2021 and 66% in 2020), primarily to domestic United Way organizations and to a lesser extent foreign organizations.

In 2022, UWW reported total revenue of $52 million (compared to $98 million in 2022, $113 million in 2021, $255 million in 2020, $249 million in 2019 and $219 million in 2018), most of which came from membership dues and contributions, gifts, and grants.

Expenses totaled $66 million with the 3 largest expenses reported to be grants ($16 million), compensation ($25 million) and fees for services by non-employees – primarily consultants and contract employees ($17 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 2023, 222 employees received $26 million in compensation, which equates to $113,000 per employee. 81 employees received more than $100,000 in compensation with the 17 most highly compensated reported to be:

• $1,045,416:  Angela Williams, CEO
• $  438,246:  Bruce Friedman, SVP, CFO (begin 3/22 end 9/23)
• $  420,734:  Alice Archcabal, EVP, Development (begin 6/22)
• $  412,661:  Odessa Jackson, General Counsel and CRO (begin 3/22)
• $  385,592:  LaDawn Naegle, EVP, Chief of Staff
• $  377,372:  Jacqueline Gordon, EVP, People and Culture (end 9/23)
• $  333,372:  Omoiye Kinney, EVP, Marketing and Communications (begin 3/22)
• $  311,683:  Thomas Lowery, SVP, Network Resilience
• $  310,687:  Erin Budde, SVP, Strategic Insights
• $  287,984:  Rachel Small, SVP, Gov’t Partnerships
• $  269,572:  Maureen Grant Hayes, VP, Major Donor Relations
• $  266,399:  John Farden, EVP, Global Network Adv and Ops (begin 4/23)
• $  265,948:  Nicole Cooper, EVP, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer (begin 4/23)
• $  260,286:  Molly Vaderloos, EVP, CFO (5/23-9/23)
• $  223,527:  Brian Garrett, EVP, Gov’t Partnerships (begin 7/23)
• $  221,502:  Lawana Jones, EVP Chief Technology Officer (begin 4/23)
• $  188,776:  Brian Gallagher, Former CEO (end 2/2021)

The exit of Brian Gallagher, the former President and CEO, in 2021 brought in a new President and CEO, Angela Williams in October, 2021, and a lot of changes in staffing (12 staff exits from the 2022 most highly compensated list; 13 staff exits from the most highly compensated list in 2023).

The 17 most highly compensated employees received $6 million in compensation.  6 of the 17 (35%) most highly compensated employees are male while 11 (65%) are female.  The most highly compensated employee was the President and CEO, Angela Williams, who received $1,045,416 (note:  2022 compensation was $750,153).

It is also important to note the former President and CEO,  Mr. Gallagher received more than $12 million in compensation from 2015-2023:

• 2023:  $  188,776
• 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.

83 independent contractors received more than $100,000 in compensation with the five (5) most highly compensated reported to be:

• $7.3 million:  Salesforce, of San Francisco, CA for digital platform services
• $6.1 million:  Beyond the Horizon Technology, of Dallas, TX for digital integration
• $1.1 million:  IBM, of Research Triangle, NC for digital platform services
• $1.0 million:  UP Purpose, of Denver CO for digital platform services
• $0.7 million:  Community Counseling Service, of NY, NY for consulting services

To read the IRS Form 990 (2023), click here.