PROVIDENCE – After leading the organization for 13 years, United Way of Rhode Island CEO Anthony Maione announced Wednesday he plans to retire at the end of 2018.
In a statement, Maione said he felt “privileged” to lead the organization for so long.
He added: “Working together with local companies, labor, elected officials, community leaders, agencies and donors, we’ve been on an amazing path that has helped to change policies that will help thousands of people. Together is the key word. There is not one thing we have done that I could have done alone.”
During more than a decade of Maione’s leadership, which included the financial hurdles of the Great Recession, UWRI fundraised more than $170 million, transitioned its grant model to a three-year competitive system, relocated to Providence’s Olneyville neighborhood and established the statewide 2-1-1 call center which fields nearly 200,000 requests per year.
UWRI has taken on “a major role in solving important community issues” under Maione’s tenure, said UWRI board president and BankNewport president and CEO, Sandra J. Pattie, in prepared remarks. These efforts include reducing homelessness, increasing affordable housing availability, improving workforce training as well as developed high-quality pre-Kindergarten, after school and summer learning opportunities for area youth.
“The board is grateful to Tony for his work on behalf of the community, and for his exceptional stewardship of the organization, which he leaves in a strong financial position,” she added.
Maione will step down as CEO on Dec. 31, 2018. UWRI has contracted KLR Executive Search Group to conduct a search for his replacement which will be led by UWRI board member and executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Hasbro, Inc., Dolph L. Johnson, Jr.
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.
