Our Focus Areas

Profiles

Michael K. Durkin

Michael K. Durkin
President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Massachusetts Bay And Merrimack Valley

As President and CEO, Michael K. Durkin provides the leadership and strategic direction that drives United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley toward achieving its vision, mission, long-term goals for the community. He will work closely with the Board of Directors, United Way staff and the community to advance the organization’s work to make this region the best place for children and families in the country.  read more »

Jane Grady

Vice President, Human Resources and Ethics

It's a long way from Iowa to Massachusetts. But Jane Grady made the journey, fell in love with New England and made Boston her home. A graduate of Iowa State University in Business Administration, Jane first came east to work with children and take courses at Boston College. Jane joined United Way of Massachusetts Bay (UWMB) in 1997 as Vice President of Human Resources (HR) after spending 11 years in the for-profit world of real estate management.  read more »

Jeffery Hayward

Senior Vice President Community Impact

As senior vice president for Community Impact at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, Jeff Hayward provides vision, strategic leadership and guidance to United Way staff, volunteers, community partners, and others committed to achieving United Way's vision of making this region the best place for children and families. Jeff directs United Way's investments, volunteer engagement activities and public policy initiatives. His work is aimed making a measurable difference in solving and preventing our region’s most critical social problems.  read more »

John Ross

John Ross
Chief Financial Officer & Senior Vice President Finance & Administration

For the past twenty years John Ross has called Boston home. Originally from London, England, John relocated to the United States to enhance his Chartered Accountant ("CPA") training through exposure to American business. He found his chosen career in banking, initially as Director of Long Range Financial Planning with State Street Bank & Trust Company and subsequently 20 years with Bank of Boston. At that bank his responsibilities ranged from Deputy General Manager and CFO in the U.K.

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José Ferrão

Senior Vice President, Marketing

As Senior Vice President of Marketing, José Ferrão leads a team of professionals who facilitate strong and meaningful connections among United Way audiences, allowing donors and volunteers to better understand the impact they’re having and partner organizations to have a clear and far-reaching voice in the community. He and his team focus on understanding each audience to inform a more personalized United Way experience.  read more »

Nancy Powers

Senior Vice President of Business Integration & Support

It is no wonder that Nancy Powers works for United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley (UWMBMV). Born, bread and educated in the community, Boston is in her bones. Her dedication to the area is evident in her professional resume and in her pride for her family's continued support as a pillar of the South Boston community.  read more »

Peter Thomas

Senior Vice President, United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley | Chief Professional Officer, United Ways of New England (UWONE)

Peter's dual responsibilities as senior vice president, United Way of Massachusetts Bay (UWMB) and chief professional officer, United Ways of New England (UWONE) reflect his unwavering commitment to dedicating 100 percent of his energy and focus toward furthering the United Way mission. To do so means Peter spends his time serving as an executive staff member for UWONE, cultivating relationships with board members, corporations and existing key accounts, while also managing a fund raising campaign of $20 million.  read more »