Home 99.1 News End of an Era at the United Way

End of an Era at the United Way

After over three decades at the helm, the CEO of the United Way of Chatham-Kent is retiring.

Karen Kirkwood-Whyte, CEO of United Way of Chatham-Kent and Brian Gallagher, CEO of United Way Worldwide

This August, Karen Kirkwood-Whyte will be leaving the position she’s held for 35 years.

Under her direction, various initiatives were spearheaded at the United Way including Operation Cover-Up, Operation BackPacks, The Chatham-Kent Children’s Safety Village, and a number of other programs.

During her time with the organization, the United Way raised and invested over $53 million in agencies, programs, and services in the community.

A Transition Committee has been established to find Kirkwood-Whyte’s replacement and ensure the organization’s strategic plan remains on track.

Kirkwood-Whyte says she has a retirement “bucket list” that includes more ways to carry on the United Way’s message of hope, strength, joy, and belonging to those who need it most.