Rosie Allen-Herring Takes the Helm as Interim President and CEO of United Way Worldwide

Rosie Allen-Herring: Steering United Way Worldwide into a New Era

On January 26, 2026, United Way Worldwide (UWW) announced a significant leadership transition, appointing Rosie Allen-Herring as its Interim President and CEO. This move follows the announced retirement of Angela Williams, who previously held the position. With a solid background in corporate finance and a wealth of experience within the nonprofit sector, Allen-Herring is ready to guide UWW through this pivotal moment.

As a current member of the UWW Board of Trustees and the President and CEO of United Way for the National Capital Area, Allen-Herring is no stranger to the organization's mission. Her appointment will take effect on February 2, 2026, after she steps down from her role on the Board to fully dedicate her efforts to UWW.

UWW is engaging Korn Ferry, a well-known executive recruitment firm, in the search for a permanent President and CEO. Allen-Herring is expected to make an immediate impact, aiming to enhance collaboration and communication within the organization and with its local affiliates. She acknowledges the trust and bond between UWW and its local United Ways, emphasizing her commitment to prioritize their needs and to advocate for all members, particularly those in smaller or international settings.

With over three decades of experience, Allen-Herring has been recognized for her contributions to the nonprofit and public sectors. Her impressive accolades include being inducted into the Washington Business Hall of Fame and multiple mentions on Washington Business Journal’s Power 100 Leaders list. Furthermore, her leadership has been influential in addressing crucial issues like health and education disparities at both UWW and the United Way of the National Capital Area. Her local chapter notably became one of the 384 organizations nationwide to receive a significant investment from philanthropy leader MacKenzie Scott in 2020.

Allen-Herring’s leadership philosophy revolves around listening and transparency. She has expressed her intentions to engage in discussions with various stakeholders within the organization to gather insights on their views of vital needs and opportunities. A clear priority for her will be to maintain full transparency with donors, ensuring they understand how their contributions affect the underlying community initiatives supported by UWW.

Yuri Fulmer, Chair of the UWW Board of Trustees, endorsed Allen-Herring’s appointment, noting her strategic vision and extensive expertise as crucial to guiding UWW through its current transitional phase. Fulmer remarked, “Rosie embodies the mission of United Way Worldwide. Our organization stands at a pivotal moment of transition, and Rosie’s experience makes her ideally suited to guide this organization.”

In addition to her leadership role at UWW, Allen-Herring has served on the boards of various organizations, including MedStar Health and Pepco Holdings – An Exelon Company. Her broad experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of nonprofit leadership and corporate governance. She has been acknowledged for her commitment to community service and leadership excellence with awards such as Washingtonian Magazine's Most Powerful Women and The Network Journal's 25 Most Influential Women in Business.

Before her tenure with United Way, Allen-Herring held various executive roles at Fannie Mae, where she oversaw multi-billion dollar portfolios and developed strategies that resulted in significant investments supporting community development. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor’s in Economics from Howard University and an MBA from Strayer University. Allen-Herring has also enhanced her expertise through numerous leadership programs, including Harvard Business School’s Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management.

Looking ahead, Allen-Herring’s leadership will be instrumental as UWW strives to fulfill its mission of mobilizing communities to action for collective prosperity. United Way Worldwide positions itself at the forefront of addressing local needs and creating innovative solutions to improve lives. With her appointment, UWW aims to navigate the challenges of the present while staying true to its core values. To learn more about UWW's initiatives and programs, visit United Way Worldwide.