James L. M. Taylor, President & CEO, Transitions to New Role After 26 Years of Impact at United Ways

RICHMOND, Va. (October 14, 2022) 

Dear Partners and Supporters,

After seven years leading the organization to sustainable growth and removing legacy obstacles, the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg Board of Directors is announcing James Taylor’s departure as President & CEO. James began his United Way career in Denver in 1996 and has been pivotal in the development and success of the organization. He played a central role in developing the Steps to Success framework approach for United Way. James and his wife, Amy, will be moving closer to family as he takes on the role of Executive Vice President for the Shepherd University Foundation in Shepherdstown, WV. James’ final day with us will be November 11, 2022.

United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg would not exist as it does today without James’ leadership and vision. I speak for the Board of Directors when I say that we are grateful to James for his many years of dedicated service and the solid foundation he established at our local United Way. He will be greatly missed, and we look forward to following the success of his career in West Virginia.

Under James’ leadership, with a talented team of mission-driven staff and community partners, United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg has:

• Raised more than $88 million in total contributions to serve the region.
• Developed important programming to fill gaps in services, such as Kindergarten Countdown Camp and WomenRise.
• Terminated a multiple-employer defined benefit pension plan, saving participating agencies $1.5 million annually;
• Reduced overhead costs to 9% in fiscal year 2021.

”I am grateful to the Board and staff of the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg for the opportunity to work with them to provide important services to the region.” said James Taylor.  “I will treasure my time with United Way even as I look forward to the new challenge that awaits me at Shepherd University.”

To facilitate the transition, the Board will be conducting a search over the next few months to identify a new President & CEO that will continue to lead the organization in creating community-based and community-led solutions that strengthen the cornerstones for a good quality of life: education, financial stability and health. 

Angela Otto has been named as the Interim President & CEO, effective October 14th. Angie currently serves as the Vice President of Finance & Administration and brings years of non-profit leadership and program management from her prior positions with United Way. She has been unwavering in her belief of the mission and will continue to drive us forward.

We are excited for the next chapter of the organization and sincerely grateful for your continuing support.  If you have any questions or concerns during this transition process, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly at Corynne.Arnett@dominionenergy.com.

Sincerely,

Corynne Arnett
Chair, Board of Directors
United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg