Brian Gallagher
President & CEO
United Way Worldwide
BRIAN A. GALLAGHER is President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way Worldwide, the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit.
Gallagher is a regular contributor to a number of high-profile global discussions, including the World Economic Forum (WEF), Clinton Global Initiative and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Gallagher frequently speaks about critical issues ranging from sustainable growth in emerging economies to the ability of public/private partnerships to drive innovation and create long-term human success.
Under Gallagher’s leadership, United Way has shifted the focus of its mission to driving community change. This approach, which brings people together to create more opportunities for all, has been adopted in 41 countries and territories. Gallagher has also elevated brand stewardship to the highest priority. In 2008, United Way launched the LIVE UNITED campaign to engage communities in a more inclusive strategic effort. LIVE UNITED is an invitation to give, to advocate, to volunteer – an opportunity for all people to think of themselves as part of the solution.
Gallagher came to United Way in 1981 as a management trainee, and has held positions in several communities throughout the U.S., including president of United Way of Central Ohio in Columbus. In 2002, he took on the role of president and CEO of United Way of America, quickly establishing new membership standards that required internal consistency and public transparency in financial reporting. His next priority was to take United Way beyond fundraising and transform the organization into a driver of long-term community impact.
United Way has become a leader in improving lives and communities around the world. In 2009, under Gallagher’s leadership, United Way of America and United Way International merged to create United Way Worldwide. Four years later, nearly 1,800 United Ways are engaged in community impact work, in education, financial stability, and health. With more than 2.8 million volunteers and 9.7 million donors worldwide, and $5.3 billion raised every year,United Way is the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit. Nearly 12 million people are now engaged in changing their communities, whether it’s giving, advocating or volunteering.
Gallagher is a steering committee member of the WEF’s “Promoting Global Financial Inclusion” initiative, and is also a founding member of the WEF’s NGO Advisory Committee and Global Gender Parity Group. He served as a member of President Obama’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, is former Chair of the Independent Sector, and currently serves on the Board of America’s Promise Alliance, Ball State University Foundation, and Leadership 18.
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