Serving as CEO of United Way for Greater Austin over the last nine years is the honor of my lifetime. I knew from day one that I was standing on the shoulders of giants, but I never imagined the immense joy I would discover in this community of partners, teachers, advocates, leaders and volunteers.
United Way has always valued innovation and creative ideas to address our community’s toughest challenges.
It is in that spirit that I have decided this is the right time for United Way for Greater Austin to welcome a new leader with fresh perspectives to build on our strong foundation and lead the organization to new heights.
Right certainly doesn’t mean easy, and this was not an easy decision. I am humbled to have been a steward of the great ideas and passions of this community. My time at United Way has never been about me, but about we. Together, we–the entire United Way family–have done amazing work to transform our community and have placed United Way for Greater Austin in an incredibly strong position
I am more energized by the work than ever before, and I know that the Board, staff, and the entire community will continue to step up to bring much needed change to those most in need. I leave knowing the organization is in the hands of a strong, diverse Board of our community’s brightest leaders, and the most passionate, talented, creative, and committed staff imaginable. They will continue to lead us in building the beloved community that includes everyone in the promise of our region.
My life has been a series of unexpected opportunities, so I am excited about future chapters that are yet unwritten. My plan is to take a career break, to remain engaged, and to embrace the mystery of the future, all while I continue to feel like the luckiest man alive to live in this community. I will always treasure my time at United Way, and I look forward to staying involved as a donor and enthusiastic supporter!
What a gift to leave after nine years with a heart overflowing with gratitude.
All my best,
David C. Smith
A Message from the Board Chair
It is with mixed emotions that the Board of Directors accepts David’s resignation as CEO. We are sad to lose his leadership, but we are also happy for him as he moves into the next chapter of his life.
David has been an exceptional leader for this organization with accomplishments that are too numerous to list, but we want to highlight a few.
During his tenure, David led the organization through significant growth, including mergers with United Way of Williamson County and Children’s Optimal Health. Under his leadership, the annual budget has almost doubled, our Success by Six and 2-Gen coalitions have grown, and United Way for Greater Austin has taken a leadership role in providing accessible and effective resources to those who need it. Further, David and his team have significantly improved the organization’s financial sustainability.
Most recently, David was instrumental in working with Austin ISD to secure Pease as the organization’s new home, and he worked tirelessly to help pass Affordable Childcare Now.
David has been a joy to work with. His energy, optimism, and genuine commitment to our community have been an inspiration.
We have a solid transition plan in place, with an experienced executive leading the search and a dedicated committee in place as we launch an immediate internal and external search for our new CEO. David has graciously agreed to stay on and will assist in the leadership change ahead.
In the coming months, we look forward to celebrating David and his legacy, and following the search process, to introducing United Way’s next CEO in the first quarter of 2025.
Sincerely,
Kristin Marcum
