United Way of the Coastal Empire announced the planned retirement of President and CEO Gregory G. Schroeder effective early Summer of 2018. Led by Board Chair Steve Pound, a search committee of the Board of Directors has been formed to conduct a national search to identify Schroeder’s replacement. Schroeder will continue serving the United Way focusing on major gifts and planned giving after the new president is hired.

Schroeder is a certified public accountant who holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration awarded by University of Wisconsin.  He began his career with the United Way in 1985, serving as chief financial officer with United Way of Greater Atlanta.  He later became the chief operating officer for Heart of America United Way in Kansas City before becoming president and CEO for United Way of the Coastal Empire in 2002.  

"I am grateful to have spent 33 years serving this great organization, and deeply honored to have had the opportunity to lead the Coastal Empire community for the last 16,” said Schroeder.  "I believe that 2018 is the right time for me to make this transition.  I feel very grateful and truly blessed.”

“Under Gregg’s leadership at the United Way of the Coastal Empire for the last 16 years, our campaigns have grown, donor relations have thrived, the community investment process has reached high levels of responsiveness and accountability, and our impact has amplified,” said Board Chair Steve Pound, vice president of Human Resources for St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System. “Gregg has a gift of developing strong relationships and inspiring staff and volunteers to deliver outstanding results.”

Pound further added, “The search committee has begun the task of identifying candidates for this position.  We are already working with United Way Worldwide, which has the network and resources to assist with the recruiting process.” 

“It has been my great honor to serve an organization that is deeply committed to help others in need.  United Way has a talented and dedicated staff who work to advance United Way’s mission each and every day,” said Schroeder.  “I am confident that the Board of Directors will choose a new leader who will maintain United Way’s long-held values while taking the organization to new heights.”