United Way for Southeastern Michigan has announced the addition of a new member to its executive leadership team. As Vice President of Fund Development, Shelly Watts will work proactively to expand engagement with current corporate partners and their employees, as well as identify new strategic relationships beyond the traditional corporate campaign.
Bringing a wealth of development experience to this new role, Watts will be responsible for energizing fundraising efforts to boost funds available for local nonprofits to make the biggest impact for people, families, and communities.
“I am thrilled to welcome Shelly to our leadership team to drive our fund development programs. She stood out from a competitive candidate group for her extensive knowledge of fundraising, bold and innovative ideas, and commitment to our local communities,” says Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “As we look forward at the challenges all nonprofits are facing during this time of global crisis, I am reminded of our commitment to the people and organizations we serve and anticipate their continued support financially and through volunteerism.”
Most recently, Watts served as Lead Director of Strategic Funding at Woodside Bible Church and Foundation. In that role, she led philanthropy efforts across 14 campuses in Southeastern Michigan. Prior to that, she served as Chief Development Officer for national nonprofit Humble Design and as Senior Development Officer for Ascension St. John Hospital Foundation.
United Way also announced that Chris Perry will continue in his leadership role as Chief Marketing and Engagement Officer, overseeing marketing, volunteer engagement, and labor relations.
“As an organization, we continue to benefit from Chris’ strategic thinking and leadership. With the addition of Shelly as Vice President of Fund Development, he can be even more hyper focused on visibility and engagement efforts to support our partners through first-class volunteer opportunities and communications on the impact they are making throughout our region,” added Hudson.
For more information on United Way’s ongoing efforts around COVID-19, or to volunteer, please visit their website.
About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan, a member of the United Way Worldwide network and an independently governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works to help households become stable and ensure children have the support they need to thrive. For more than 100 years, United Way has been a leader in creating positive, measurable, and sustainable change in communities throughout southeast Michigan. United Way works in partnership with donors, agencies, corporate, and municipal partners to help families meet their basic needs of housing, food, health care and family finances, and ensure children start school ready to learn, and graduate ready for life. To give, advocate, volunteer, or learn more, visit UnitedWaySEM.org.
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