UNITED WAY CRISIS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Women United Committee Chair
Job Titles:
- Finance
- Subject Matter Expert
Biography
Upon completing his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Finance from the University of Detroit Mercy 1979, Brad Simmons embarked on a career with Ford Motor Company that has stretched over 40 years. In that time, he has held positions in finance, governmental affairs, and community relations, and was instrumental in producing the company's first corporate citizenship report.
He later served for more than a decade as Director of the Office of the Executive Chairman, and today is involved in supporting a variety of civic, philanthropic and special projects.
In addition to his bachelor's degree, Brad also earned an MBA from the University of Detroit Mercy in 1984 and is a graduate of both Leadership Detroit and Leadership Michigan. He also served as an adjunct lecturer for 15 years in the business school at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Various community roles presently include service leadership to United Way for Southeast Michigan, American Red Cross, HAVEN, Boy Scouts of America, Brother Rice High School, University of Detroit Mercy, Student Leadership Services, Girl Scouts for Southeast Michigan, and Science & Engineering Fair of Metro Detroit, among others. He also previously served on the boards of the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, and in a supportive role to both Business Leaders for Michigan and the Detroit Economic Club.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Cabinet Member / Ford Motor Co.
- Women United Committee Member
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board Member / Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation
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- Cabinet Member / McKinsey & Company
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- Emerging Philanthropists Committee Member
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- Cabinet Member / Aristeo Construction Co.
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board Member / Systems Technology Group, Inc.
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- Member of the Executive Team
- Vice President of Major Gifts
- Vice President, Major Gifts and Donor Relations
Ashleigh Imerman is the Vice President of Major Gifts and Donor Relations at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. In this role, she builds relationships with our generous supporters whose gifts of dollars, time and advocacy have mobilized lasting change for families across our region. She is passionate about connecting donors to our mission and helping them find ways to make a meaningful difference.
Ashleigh is an avid advocate for philanthropy - the love of mankind. Her career in the nonprofit sector began right out of undergrad, inspired by a summer service trip to Guatemala with Habitat for Humanity's Global Village Program, and she's been devoted to raising funds to improve communities and individual lives ever since.
Ashleigh brings more than 15 years of service to nonprofits that share our values. Most recently, she was Chief Advancement Officer at Tamarack Camps, where she led the strategy and operational functionality of both its development and communications departments. Prior, she was Senior Director of Development for the Beaumont Health Foundation, the fundraising arm of Michigan's largest nonprofit health care system. In this position, she led several multi-million-dollar fundraising campaigns focused on improving the health and wellness of children, women and families. She also served as Focus: HOPE's Director of Major Gifts, securing private support for a variety of multi-generational programs, social justice initiatives and wrap-around services for Detroit residents. Earlier in her career, she was Director of Corporate Relations at Forgotten Harvest, where she engaged the Metro Detroit business community and worked alongside Feeding America to activate national partnerships at the local level.
Her personal philanthropy includes being an advisor to the Phillip and Elizabeth Filmer Charitable Trust and a volunteer with Imerman Angels, a national cancer-support organization. She is also a member of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Alumni Association. Ashleigh and her husband, Jeff, enjoy living in the small community of Pleasant Ridge with their rescue dog, Macy. She loves outdoor activities. Whether its running, biking, hiking or skiing, being in nature is her happy place.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board Member / Quicken Loans and Rock Holdings, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Bishop
- Campaign Co - Chair
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- Alumni United Committee Co - Chair
- Alumni United Committee Co - Chair / Ford Motor Company
- Cabinet Member / Ford Motor Company
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Team
- Executive Vice President of Strategy and Operations
Brandon Lee is the Executive Vice President of Strategy and Operations at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. He joined the organization in August of 2013 as an AmeriCorps VISTA. In his current role, Brandon oversees organizational strategy, data, information technology, grants, and board governance. Brandon also leads the Executive Office on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer.
Under Brandon's leadership, the Strategy and Transformation Department drives and stewards United Way for Southeastern Michigan's strategy while building capacity for the organization to achieve its vision and execute on its goals.
Brandon has over ten years of experience in the nonprofit field. Shortly after earning his bachelor's degree, he founded a 501(c)(3) organization focused on college access, preparation, and retention for youth in Detroit. He then transitioned to his first role with United Way for Southeastern Michigan, and spent three years on the education team, including 18 months supporting the Coalition for the Future of Detroit Schoolchildren.
A graduate of Oakland University, Brandon holds a bachelor's degree in history with a minor in political science. Currently, Brandon is a mentor in Leadership OU, Oakland University's alumni and undergraduate mentoring program. In 2019, he earned Oakland University's 10 Within 10 Award recognizing professional excellence of young alumni. In 2022, Brandon was accepted to United Way Worldwide's Advanced Leadership Program. In this program, Brandon joins a cohort of 17 other executive leaders from around the world.
He is a board member and vice chair for Developing K.I.D.S., a youth development organization in Detroit. He has served on the board since 2019 and has been a volunteer with the organization since 2011.
Brandon is a Detroit Tigers season ticket holder. In his free time enjoys traveling - especially road trips, as well as golfing, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Alumni United Committee Co - Chair
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- Emerging Philanthropists Chair / Grant Thornton LLP
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Member of the Executive Team
- President
Dr. Darienne Hudson is a high-energy, dynamic nonprofit executive and life-long educator serving as President and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan, located in Detroit. Before joining United Way in July 2018, she spent the previous four years as superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), the largest school district in Wisconsin. Throughout her career, Dr. Hudson has initiated a series of bold reforms designed to ensure equity for all. Most recently, her ability to mobilize corporations, foundations, and individual donors to orchestrate a coordinated community-based effort in response to the coronavirus pandemic has garnered international praise and recognition.
In her role at United Way, Dr. Hudson has begun to develop and initiate programs to improve the lives of children and families in Southeastern Michigan. Dr. Hudson believes strongly in the power of collective impact and in the importance of public-private partnerships to solve societal issues and inequity. Since her tenure at United Way, she has cultivated relationships in Southeastern Michigan to do just that. Dr. Hudson is purposefully and intentionally leading the 100-plus-year-old organization in a direction that places an emphasis on listening to the community and addressing its greatest needs.
Dr. Hudson is familiar with the power of United Way. She previously served on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County.
Prior to being named superintendent, Dr. Hudson was MPS' first Chief Innovation Officer. In that role, she successfully narrowed the achievement gap in MPS' Commitment Schools, which are the schools with the greatest need for improvement.
Before her tenure in Milwaukee, Dr. Hudson served as Deputy Chief of Empowerment Schools for the School District of Philadelphia. Prior to her time in Philadelphia, she was the Coordinator of Strategic Management and Accountability, as well as Special Assistant to the Superintendent in Clayton County Public Schools in Georgia. Dr. Hudson began her career as an elementary school teacher in Detroit Public Schools, a point of personal pride.
Dr. Hudson's academic achievements include a doctorate from Harvard University in Urban Superintendency, a master's degree in education from Harvard University, and a master's degree in curriculum development from the University of Michigan. Her undergraduate degree in child development is from Spelman College.
In addition to her work as President and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Dr. Hudson serves on the steering committee for Launch Michigan, the Wayne County Afterschool Partnership, and is on the Mayor's Workforce Investment Board. She serves on the board of Detroit Children's Fund, is a trustee for Educational Testing Services, and was elected to the Board of Overseers for Harvard University in 2017. She was named a 2019 DBusiness Powered by Women Honoree. In 2020, Dr. Hudson joined the Board of Directors at the Detroit Public Schools Foundation. Most recently, Dr. Hudson became a member of the International Women's Forum Michigan Chapter.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Cabinet Member / Walbridge
Job Titles:
- Alumni United Committee Co - Chair
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Immediate past Chair / Honigman LLP
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- Cabinet Member / American Federation of Teachers
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Treasurer / Deloitte LLP
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- Community Volunteer
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Women United Committee Member / Community Volunteer
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board Member / Ford Motor Co.
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board Member / Davenport University
- Cabinet Member / Davenport University
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- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Vice Chair / Bank of America
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- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board Member / W.K. Kellogg Foundation
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- Cabinet Member / KUKA Systems Group
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- Cabinet Member / McKinsey & Company
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board Member / Lear Corporation
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- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Engineer
- Women United Committee Member
Heather Storey, Engineer - Expert, at DTE. I love Women United's mission to address early childhood development. Addressing early childhood development is a critical step to ensuring every child receives a quality education especially in areas where it is not available.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Women United Committee Member
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board Member / Citadel
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- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Cabinet Member / Aristeo Construction Co.
Job Titles:
- Emerging Philanthropists Committee Member
Job Titles:
- Cabinet Member / Ford Motor Co.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board Member / Ilitch Holdings, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board Member / PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Job Titles:
- Women United Committee Member
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Team
- Executive Director of Advocacy, Marketing, Communications and Events
Kyle DuBuc is Executive Director of Advocacy, Marketing, Communications and Events at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. He leads the organization's efforts in public policy, labor relations, public relations and communications, each with the goal of meeting immediate community need while advancing meaningful systemic change aligned with United Way's mission in the region.
As part of his more than 20 years of experience in both nonprofit and government roles, Kyle has advocated for the rights of seniors and people with disabilities at Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, managed strategy, communications, marketing and fundraising for campaigns for local and state offices, and worked as the legislative director for a member of the Michigan House of Representatives. He joined United Way for Southeastern Michigan in February of 2013.
Kyle graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science, Specializing in Community Relations, with a cognitive study in political science. His studies, which focused on inequity and social stratification, ignited Kyle's passion for social justice, a central focus of his career path ever since.
In addition to his professional experience, Kyle has a long history of activism, volunteerism and community service, including a formative experience as part of the Multi-Racial Unity Living Experience (MRULE) at MSU, two years served with the Peace Corps in Gotheye, Niger, and serving as an elected official in his home city of Royal Oak.
Kyle and his wife, Tara, have three school-aged children. He enjoys playing with his kids, movies, camping, tennis, pickleball, talking politics and world events, and strumming the eight chords he knows while singing along with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Emerging Philanthropists Committee Member
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Team
- Executive Director, People and Culture
Lara Keathley is Executive Director, People and Culture, at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. She joined United Way in September 2020 and oversees initiatives and strategies around the organization's people operations including talent management and organizational development, employee engagement and organizational culture, and total rewards, including compensation and benefits.
Lara joined United Way after spending four years as vice president of employee services at Christian Financial Credit Union. She has also served as human resources and training consultant at CU Solutions Group, chief culture officer at Michigan Credit Union League and director of training and human resources at Advantage One Credit Union.
A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Lara holds a master's certificate in human resources and a bachelor's degree in secondary education, literature and English. She has conducted master's course work in gender studies, and she is a senior certified professional, human resources through the Society for Human Resource Management.
Lara is married to wife Kristin and enjoys community theater, reading and exercising.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Women United Committee Member / Murphy Consulting, Inc.
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- Cabinet Member / Systems Technology Group
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- Cabinet Member
- Women United Committee Member
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- Cabinet Member / Rush Group of Companies
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- Cabinet Member / General Motors
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board Member / C.S. Mott Children 's Hospital
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- Secretary of the Board of Directors
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board Member / Clark Hill PLC
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- Cabinet Member / Deloitte
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board Member / Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
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- Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors
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- Chairman of the Board of Directors
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board Member / Lambert
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- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board Member / P & the Holdings, LLC
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- Cabinet Member / Lear Corporation
Job Titles:
- Women United Committee Member
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Emerging Philanthropists Committee Member
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Team
- Vice President of Corporate Relations
Sarah Grutza is Vice President of Corporate Relations at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. In this role she works to build and strengthen relationships with corporate partners with a focus on advancing corporate social responsibility, fostering investment in key program areas and supporting workplace campaigns which raise the funds necessary for United Way for Southeastern Michigan to continue to serve the community.
Sarah is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science, specializing in Environmental Policy and Geography. She is an avid runner, dedicated Peloton rider and a terrible golfer working to improve her game. She's also a self-proclaimed "neat freak" and loving aunt who enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews. Sarah grew up in Trenton, spent a few years living in Cincinnati, and is now a proud resident of Detroit.
Job Titles:
- Cabinet Member / Ford Fund
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Member of the Executive Team
Steven Schwartz is Chief Financial Officer for United Way for Southeastern Michigan. He joined the organization in December 2018 and is responsible for United Way's overall financial integrity and operational leadership, including accounting, contracts, business management and financial planning.
Steven also leads the organizations finance committee, which provides financial oversight, and audit committee, which oversees the auditing process and meets with the auditor to review the audit plan.
Steven had more than 20 years of financial expertise before joining United Way, working in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. He was CFO for HighScope Educational Research Foundation in Ypsilanti and Michigan Credit Union League in Livonia. He also served as vice president of finance and controller at Detroit Regional Chamber.
Throughout his career, Steven has demonstrated thoughtful leadership, implementing process improvement policies and cost savings and revenue growth strategies. He also testified at a Senate hearing in Lansing on the negative impacts of a proposed mental health services budget.
Steven graduated at the top of his class at Eastern Michigan University, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting. He has completed leadership programs at the Center for Creative Leadership and the Detroit Regional Chamber's Leadership Detroit. Most recently, Steven has joined the Board of Directors of The Accounting Aid Society and the Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.
Steven is an avid sports fan and can occasionally be found volunteering as a DJ at First Robotics events. In the summer he enjoys gardening with his wife Kathy and visits from his son Brian and daughter Caitlin.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board Member / General Motors
Job Titles:
- Cabinet Member
- Emerging Philanthropists Committee Member
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Member of the Executive Team
- Chief People, Equity and Engagement Officer
Tonya Adair is Chief People, Equity and Engagement Officer at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. She joined the organization in 2018 as Chief Impact Officer to provide executive oversight of the community impact strategies for United Way. In this role, Tonya was responsible for leading the impact teams to assure consistent focus on stable households and thriving children for communities served. Within two years, Tonya provided leadership in the successful development and implementation of several new initiatives and collaborative local and national partnerships, designed to drive transformational results for community impact objectives. Initiatives established under her leadership include Connect 313, Tech Funds for Detroit Charter School Students, Connecting Seniors Project, Choose Healthy Life Faith Based Partnership, Harlem Children's Zone Audacious Project COVID Response, UWSEM Community Schools, Early Childhood Support Network, My Home Library Project, Virtual Family Literacy Fairs, and the Parent Community of Practice Pandemic Support Group.
In her new role, Tonya is charged with leading several departments including People and Culture; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Corporate and Community Engagement; and Marketing. The office serves as a backbone support to the overall organization, providing collaborative supports and services to assure effective and efficient operations, functions and experiences for all staff and stakeholders engaged with United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Additionally, Tonya leads social innovation and transformational partnerships designed to produce equitable outcomes for children and families within the Southeastern Michigan community.
Tonya's professional background, education and experience as a transformational leader in education positions her to serve well in this role. She earned a bachelor's degree in education from Grambling State University and a master's degree in education administration and leadership from Alverno College. Additionally, she also holds a human resource management certification from Cardinal Stritch University of Milwaukee and is pursuing a doctorate in philosophy in language and literacy.
Tonya has held several professional affiliations, received numerous professional recognitions, and served on multiple boards and committees over the years. Currently Tonya proudly serves on the boards of directors for City Year Detroit and The Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan and serves on the advisory council for The Greenlight Fund.
Over the years, Tonya has received several awards and honors, including the 2020 Salute to Diversity Award from Corp! Magazine, 2018 Induction to the Alverno College Vanguard Society, Top Ladies of Distinction Education Award, Wisconsin Women on the Move; Educational Administrator of the Year from the Civic Music Association of Milwaukee; Sarah Scott Outstanding Administrator Award from the Metropolitan Milwaukee Alliance of Black School Educators; and the Ladies of Great Distinction Award from the African American Ladies Empowered to Grow Opportunities.
Job Titles:
- Director in PwC 's Consulting Solutions
- Emerging Philanthropists Committee Member
Verne is a Director in PwC's Consulting Solutions practice where he specializes in assisting global organizations solve complex business challenges including; restructuring, finance transformation, process improvement, merger integration, corporate divestitures, and cost savings. Verne also co-leads community engagement efforts for PwC in the metro Detroit area. His passions are centered around community engagement, youth mentoring, and travel.
Verne has been part of the United Way Emerging Philanthropists group for over 5 years; and he has previously been honored by Crain's Detroit Business in their 2016 class of "Top 40 Under 40" business professionals; and by Diversity Magazine in 2017 as one of the "Top 100 Executive Leaders under 50".
Job Titles:
- Cabinet Member / Piston Group