New UWSWA President and CEO Named
Today UWSWA announced that Clifford Grimes will be the new President and CEO, effective September 24, 2015. Grimes has served as the CEO of Victoria County United Way since 2009, where he increased their campaign 42% in three years, and has accumulated nearly 30 years of experience with various United Ways across the nation. Grimes is succeeding Alan H. Turner II, who led the organization from 2011 until July of this year.
“I am thrilled to be embarking on this new chapter as President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Alabama,” stated Grimes. “I look forward to continuing and strengthening United Way’s work to improve the quality of life in the community through initiatives in health, education, financial stability, and essentials. I am excited to become part of the southwest Alabama community and work with the impressive staff and dedicated volunteers who continue to help United Way make the region better for everyone.”
Prior to assuming his post at Victoria County United Way in 2009, Grimes served United Way of Central Carolinas for six years, first as Vice President of Operations and Resource Development then later as Senior Vice President of Community Building. During his tenure in Operations and Development, he managed the functional aspects of their $45 million dollar annual United Way campaign. Subsequently, in his role as Senior Vice President of Community Building, Grimes led the effort to invest those resources locally, ensuring that critical services and programs were there to help those who needed them most.
“After a rigorous process, we believe Clifford Grimes has the experience and skills necessary to lead United Way of Southwest Alabama as the organization moves forward with the vision to unite and mobilize resources in support of the building blocks for a better life,” said Donald Keeler, Vice President of Human Resources at Austal USA and UWSWA 2015 Chairman of the Board. “His ability to lead a team, work effectively with partners and supporters, drive measurable impact, build strategically, and clearly communicate are some of the skills that will serve our United Way well.”
Having served several United Ways in communities throughout the United States, Grimes has held senior level positions in everything from fund distribution and community initiatives to resource development, agency relations, and community planning. He has received numerous awards and honors from both governmental and not-for-profit organizations, and has led and presented at numerous conferences and workshops nation-wide.
A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Grimes earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University. A former United Way Worldwide and Annie E. Casey Foundation Fellow at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, Grimes has chaired and sat on the Boards of Directors of: CONTACT, USA (Strategic Planning Committee, Fundraising Committee, Member Services Committee), and Indiana State University Foundation – Sycamore Holdings. He has also served on the Human Resource Commission, City of Peoria, Illinois; Governor’s Committee, Oklahoma Task Force on Voluntarism; United Ways of Texas and the Interorganizational Council for Services to the Homeless; United Way Worldwide Inclusion Roundtable; and as Treasurer, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.