United Way CEO Amanda Leech to step down in June after 10 years

Amanda Leech, president and CEO of the United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley, announced she was resigning after 10 years of work in the role.

“These past 10 years have been such a gift,” said Leech. “From all of the passionate donors, volunteers, partners, and supporters that I’ve had the privilege to get to know, to the incredible impact of the work that I’ve gotten to see firsthand within United Way and from partner organizations in the community, I am incredibly grateful for all of it.”

Her departure was announced in a press release from United Way. Leech will step down this coming June, when she begins working with Appalachian Voices, a nonprofit focused on “grassroots advocacy for clean energy, strong communities and a healthy environment.”

Leech guided the organization through a strange time. With the closing of United Way of Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro, the United Way of Harrisonburg expanded to fill the vacancy. The expanded United Way then changed its name to the United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley to reflect its new coverage area.

Leech came to Staunton City Council in June to explain how the United Way was moving into the area with programs like the free tax help available through the United Way’s VITA program.

Board President Braydon Hoover wished Leech well in her future position.

“Amanda’s influence on United Way and on our communities cannot be overstated,” said Hoover. “Her innovative, strategic, people-first, and community focused leadership has helped our organization into a new era of impact; one that builds a stronger more integrated community, and will ripple out long after she has left. We are deeply grateful for her time with us and wish her the very best in this next chapter.”

Leech felt the staff and the board of directors, who are now searching for her replacement with the help of United Way Worldwide, would be able to guide the organization successfully.

“United Way is on the right path moving into the future and has a talented team of individuals on staff as well as on the Board of Directors continuing to build the foundation for a brighter future through high impact programming like VITA and our community data and listening project that will set the stage for collective impact work down the road,” said Leech. “I look forward to staying involved and connected in a new way.”

Lyra Bordelon (she/her) is the public transparency and justice reporter at The News Leader. Do you have a story tip or feedback? It’s welcome through email to [email protected]. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: United Way CEO Amanda Leech to step down in June after 10 years

Reporting by Lyra Bordelon, Staunton News Leader / Staunton News Leader

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