Angela F. Williams a veteran, former Federal Prosecutor and senior executive with 30+ years of management success currently serving as president and CEO of Easterseals, America’s “leading nonprofit provider of life-changing services and powerful advocacy for people with disabilities of all ages,” the first Black woman to hold the post which she held since 2018 has been chosen to lead United Way Worldwide.
With the new appointment as President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, Williams will yet again makes history as the first woman and first African American to lead the organization. Her appointment takes effect on October 15, 2021.
“I am absolutely honored to join the world’s leading charity at a key moment in the organization’s history and world events,” Williams said. “Around the world, issues of health, education and economic sustainability are at the forefront of ensuring equality and access to a good quality of life.”
“I am committed to working with the Board, volunteers, partners and staff to build on the rich legacy of the organization in its second century of service,” Williams said.
“I recognize and appreciate the tremendous role that United Way Worldwide plays in supporting individuals and families and transforming communities,” Williams said.
Angela F. Williams, before joining Easterseals, spent 11 years as EVP, general counsel, and chief administration officer at YMCA of the USA. Prior to her position at Y-USA, Williams was the interfaith liaison for the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, where she advocated for the cushioning and financial support for areas impacted by the hurricane.
“United Way Worldwide is at a critical juncture as we look to transform our 135-year-old organization to continue driving strong and equitable community impact into the future,” said Dr. Juliette M. Tuakli, Chair of United Way Worldwide Board of Trustees. “We wanted a leader who could mobilize our United Way Network, our supporters and United Way Worldwide around a clear vision grounded in the imperative to create greater impact, equity and growth in communities. Angela’s background and experience make her uniquely suited to create and drive this vision. The CEO Search Committee was impressed by her strategic acumen, innovative thinking and purpose-driven mindset, which we believe will offer a fresh perspective in reimagining United Way and ensuring that we remain relevant and impactful for years to come.”
Williams’ earlier career milestone include launching her career after earning her law degree, as an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps for more than six years, serving on Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s Senate Judiciary Committee staff as special counsel on criminal law, working on the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division’s National Church Arson Task Force and serving as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida.
Angela F. Williams was named on Forbes’ 2021 List of Women 50 Over 50 Creating Social Change at Scale, included in CEO Today Magazine’s Healthcare Awards 2021 and Crain’s Chicago Business 2020 Notable Women Executives Over 50.
