Ali Haigh Named United Way's First Female CEO

Accomplishments, passion, commitment to community set Ali Haigh apart

Photo of United Way of Racine County President and CEO Ali Haigh, a grinning white woman with brunette hair to her shoulders.Sept. 6, 2019—United Way of Racine County announced today it has named Ali Haigh its new president and CEO. Haigh will be the first female leader in the organization’s 97-year history. She replaces previous President and CEO Rodney Prunty, who left earlier this year. Haigh served as a loaned employee with United Way of Racine County in 2011 and joined the staff the following year, serving first as manager of investor relations, then in her most current role as vice president of investor relations, where she oversaw the organization’s fundraising and marketing.

“Our mission is to mobilize the caring power of Racine County to improve lives and transform our community. We’re thrilled that Ali will be leading us in this mission,” said Steve McLaughlin, United Way of Racine County’s board chair. “Ali has an outstanding track record of accomplishment, and the board looks forward to supporting her success as our president and CEO.”

Haigh led United Way of Racine County’s transition to engagement-based fundraising strategies such as Day of Caring, mobile giving and affinity groups such as Women United. Her leadership enabled United Way to achieve key fundraising goals, strengthening its ability to achieve community impact outcomes. In addition, Haigh leads the organization’s work in diversity, equity and inclusion—overseeing two years of Community Conversations dedicated to race and equity; implementing OneRacine, Racine’s celebration of diversity; and launching the organization’s Diversity Council to lead other companies in implementing equitable practices. Eager to guide other United Ways to the same success, she regularly presents and instructs at United Way conferences throughout the nation, and she is a member of United Way Worldwide’s LEAD Board of Directors.

“Ali clearly differentiated herself as the top choice out of a large pool of excellent candidates,” said Rebecca Mason, who chaired the board’s search committee. “We conducted a comprehensive, nationwide search that included more than 100 candiates. What impressed the search committee the most about Ali is her passion for United Way, her sense of pride about the Racine community, her authenticity, her collaborative work style, and her proven ability to build strong relationships with donors, partner providers and community leaders.”

“I’m honored to have been chosen as the next president and CEO,” Ali stated. “I thank the board and search committee members for putting their trust in me, and I look forward to the work we can do with our staff, donors, partners and other community leaders to live our values and achieve a great impact in Racine County.”

Haigh will step into her new role as president and CEO effective immediately.

This article was originally published in the Racine Journal Times.