A new era of leadership for United Way of Greater Charlotte

United Way of Greater Charlotte is a pillar in our community, serving neighbors, breaking down barriers and helping to fund local nonprofits who are making a difference.

Get up to date: In March, United Way of Greater Charlotte announced Kathryn Firmin-Sellers as the new President and CEO, effective April 1, 2025.

• The background: Firmin-Sellers served as the organization's Chief Impact Officer starting in 2018 before stepping up as Interim President and CEO in the summer of 2024.

Why it's important: United Way is beginning a fresh, future-focused chapter with a new permanent leader at the helm.

Firmin-Sellers shares her passions, her vision for the future and her plans to amplify United Way's impact in the Charlotte community.

What inspires and motivates you personally about United Way's mission?

"We recognize the complexity of poverty," she says, "and we attempt to make sure that people have all of the varied resources they need to be successful and thrive."

She's especially proud of how United Way puts community members in the driver's seat. "We really lean into this belief that people who are closest to a problem are closest to a solution. Residents tell us what their priorities are."

What does a typical day look like for you?

Firmin-Sellers splits her focus between internal leadership and external relationship-building.

• Here's how: "It's about grassroots and grasstops," she says. "Supporting this incredibly talented team so that they can be successful in their day-to-day jobs, meeting donors and building new relationships and partnerships in the community."

What pressing issues keep you up at night?

Fundraising is always top of mind. "We have to do the hard work each and every day to raise the dollars that we give out throughout the year."

She's also watching broader economic trends — and what they mean for local nonprofits. "What challenges are other organizations going to face, and what are the gaps that are going to open up for people who are dependent on us?"

What are your top priorities for United Way over the next few years?

"First, sustaining our commitment and the relationship with the neighborhoods that we partner with," she says. "My other top priority is developing a bold, innovative revenue model."

• Here's what else: United Way is also leading A Home For All, a major cross-sector housing and homelessness initiative.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

"I have had the great opportunity to live abroad. I lived in France for a few years and I lived in West Africa for a few years — Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire and Cameroon."

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

"I live to travel. I'm happiest when I have several trips to look forward to," she says. She also enjoys exploring on foot. "Every vacation my husband and I have taken has involved hiking — including the year I had my hip replaced. My husband rented segways to go up and down the mountain."

How can the community best support United Way of Greater Charlotte during this next chapter?

"Follow us on social media, get our newsletter. We hope that will inspire you to give," she says. "And advocate. Never underestimate the power of your voice in creating the community you want to see."

Looking ahead: United Way is bringing the community together during its Longest Table event on Saturday, September 27.

• The deets: Community leaders, including Mayor Lyles, will be in attendance. Ticket registration opens May 22.

United Way is writing a new chapter — learn how to be part of it.