United Way of Summit & Medina has announced that after nearly a decade with the organization, Jim Mullen has stepped down to fill the position of President & CEO with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Cleveland.
Mullen joined the organization in April 2015 and over the course of his tenure led the development of many key initiatives within United Way including the creation and implementation of the Bold Goals for 2028. To date, the organization and community have already achieved one of the goals and are positioned to achieve most if not all the goals by 2028. In addition, Mullen worked closely with the County of Summit, City of Akron and Akron Public Schools on programs that directly impacted children, families and our communities.
“I cannot thank the board, staff and the Greater Akron community enough for the support and care they have demonstrated to me and my family over the course of the last 10 years. Coming back to Northeast Ohio and leading one of best United Way’s in the country truly has been a dream come true. I know the organization has exceptional staff and leadership and will continue to do great things with and for the community,” said Jim Mullen.
Over his tenure, he was part of three important mergers within Summit & Medina Counties. These included a merger with InfoLine Summit County, now 2-1-1, a merger with United Way of Medina County, and most recently, the merger with Heart-to-Heart Leadership to form the Center for Immersive Leadership in July of this year.
Under Mullen’s leadership, United Way of Summit & Medina has grown significantly in their mission by evolving to a direct service impact organization that is focused on sustainable and systemic change for those facing hardship in our local community.
“We would like to thank Jim for his service and tenure here at United Way. He has led and accomplished a great deal as our President & CEO. The organizational transformation he has led has been a pivotal component in how we forge a path forward to help create lasting change for those in need. We are extremely confident that the mission and vision that Jim and the Board have set together will continue, deepening our impact in the community,” said Brad Wright, United Way of Summit & Medina Board Chair.
Mullen will continue at United Way of Summit & Medina through January. The Board of Directors currently is working on a plan for their next leader of the nearly 110-year-old organization. They expect to announce these plans no later than early 2025.