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4/30/2004
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania's Board of Directors Announces New President and CEO
Alba Martinez, City Commissioner for Human Service Accepts Post(Philadelphia, PA) – On Friday, April 30, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s (UWSEPA) board of directors approved Alba Martinez as its new president and CEO. Martinez, currently the City Commissioner of the Department of Human Services, is expected to start her new position in mid-June, 2004. She replaces Christine James-Brown, who headed UWSEPA for 10 years before leaving to become president of United Way International earlier this year. “We conducted a national search for someone to fill the position of president, and had active interest from qualified candidates from literally across the country. However, in the end, we were extremely fortunate to find a star right here in our own backyard to take over the reins of one of the nation’s largest United Ways,” said Jim Gately, Chair of UWSEPA’s board of directors. “We are thrilled that Ms. Martinez is joining the professional, talented staff at United Way. From her experience running the largest Latino non-profit organization in Pennsylvania, to running one of the largest city agencies, we believe she has developed the skills to lead our organization. United Way’s Community Impact Plan is on course— and Ms. Martinez will ensure that we continue to be responsive to community needs.”
“I am very honored to be chosen as the new president and CEO of United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania,” Alba Martinez stated. “When UWSEPA’s board of directors implemented the Community Impact Plan, I thought it was very necessary and critical for the region. The plan highlights accountability, addresses the root causes of problems and gives people more options for the future. I have been an advocate working to help those in need in our community and I am excited to work with United Way to ensure that every person can meet their full potential in our community.”
Born and educated in Puerto Rico, Martinez holds a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. She has actively participated on boards, coalitions and task forces dedicated to domestic violence prevention and support, women’s rights, community development, family services, and the arts.
In 1998, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania named Martinez its Agency Director of the Year, making her the first Latina to receive this prestigious award.
Mayor John F. Street appointed Martinez Commissioner of the Department of Human Services on February 1, 2000. The commissioner oversees the Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice and Community Based Prevention programs for the City of Philadelphia.
A hallmark of Martinez’s tenure as commissioner has been the systemic reform of Philadelphia’s child welfare system. Martinez’s vision of a self-correcting, self-critical, and continually improving child welfare system has yielded a myriad of systemic and practice improvements in Philadelphia.
When she assumes the post in June, Martinez will lead UWSEPA’s 120 staff and oversee fundraising operations that raised over $50 million in the 2003 campaign from roughly 1,000 workplace campaigns and 120,000 donors.
UWSEPA is guided by the board of directors, which is made up of a minimum of 50 local individuals who are nominated and elected to board positions for three-year terms. United Way’s diverse board of directors represents a cross section of the Philadelphia community.
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, established in 1921, is one of Greater Philadelphia’s largest non-profit organizations and one of approximately 1400 affiliated United Ways nationwide. Each United Way is independent, separately incorporated, and governed by local volunteers. United Way improves people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of donors, volunteers and communities. To find out more about volunteer opportunities to suit your skills and your schedule, visit www.VolunteerWay.org.
