United Way Names U.S.A. Board Chair, Neeraj Mehta, as Interim President and CEO

Feb. 19, 2020 (Alexandria, Va.) United Way Worldwide (UWW) today announced that its Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Neeraj Mehta, Chair of the U.S.A. Board, as interim President and CEO of the organization, effective March 1. In this role, Mehta will focus on engaging the global United Way Network, and guiding UWW’s organizational transition and strategic initiatives as it works to serve communities facing unprecedented economic, health and social crises.

Mehta has served as an at-large member of the United Way Board since 2016 and has led the U.S.A. Board since 2020. In December 2020, Mehta announced that he would leave his current position as Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Payment Solutions and Chief Commercial Officer of Synchrony. Prior to joining Synchrony, Mehta held numerous executive roles at GE Capital, including President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance.

In addition, Mehta has served on multiple for-profit and not-for-profit boards and has been an advocate for diversity, including support of GE’s internal and external Asian Pacific American groups. 

“I am pleased that such an experienced leader as Neeraj has agreed to step into this role during this critical time,” said United Way Worldwide Board Chair Dr. Juliette Tuakli. In addition to his business acumen, he is passionate about United Way – our mission and work, and the people who bring this mission to life.  I can think of no better person to help us through this transition and provide stability as we forge ahead and shape the United Way of the future.”  

“I have been so impressed with the work that the United Way Worldwide team does to support our United Way Network and communities across the globe,” Mehta said. “The hurdles we are facing are daunting, but not insurmountable, but challenging times also present great opportunities.  So, as we turn our attention to finding our next leader, I am confident that we will come through this stronger and ready to continue providing the support and care our communities need.”

Current President and CEO, Brian Gallagher, announced earlier this month that he would be leaving the organization after nearly 20 years. The UWW Board has retained Diversified Search to facilitate an executive search for the next President and CEO. This work is expected to be completed later this year.

# # #

About United Way
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. With global reach and local impact, we’re making life better for 48 million people annually. United Way is the world's largest privately funded nonprofit, working in 95% of U.S. communities and 40 countries and territories. That’s why we’re the mission of choice for 2.5 million volunteers, 7.7 million donors and 45,000 corporate partners. In the wake of COVID-19, we’re helping people stay in their homes, stock their pantries, and protect their lives and livelihoods. And we’re working to build resilient, equitable communities. Learn more at UnitedWay.org. Follow us: @United Way and #LiveUnited.  

Learn more about Neeraj Mehta on LinkedIn