90 Years - United Way of Massachusetts Bay

Celebrating Nearly a Century of Impact

On June 5th, we brought together the leaders, partners, and visionaries who have shaped United Way of Massachusetts Bay across generations for an extraordinary evening. This milestone celebration honored the people and partnerships that have fueled our mission — and shined a spotlight on the future we are building together.

Our History

Friday, June 5, 2026

State Room 60 State Street, Boston, MA Honorees Include: Karen Holmes Ward Helen Chin Schlichte P&G Gillette Our Past CEOs & Presidents: Marian L. Heard, Milton Little, Michael K. Durkin, and Bob Giannino

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Photos from a wonderful night

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90 Years of Impact: Honorees

Our 90th Anniversary Gala Honorees reflect the power of leadership, partnership and generosity in action. We are proud to recognize individuals and corporate partners whose commitment has helped strengthen families and advance thriving, healthy communities. Their impact shows what’s possible when people and organizations come together to meet urgent needs and drive lasting change.

Karen Holmes Ward

Karen is a long-time champion & partner to United Way - from pioneering Success by 6 in the late 1990s, our state’s first early childhood awareness campaign, to more recently helping us raise over $8M for our COVID Family Support Fund through daily PSAs and visibility pushes. Throughout her four decades of leadership in Public Affairs at WCVB & as the host of CityLine, Karen Holmes Ward lifted community voices, spotlighted local changemakers, & helped Greater Boston understand both the challenges & opportunities in our neighborhoods. She has deeply shaped the impact United Way has been able to make across the region & has played an extraordinary role in strengthening the civic & cultural fabric of Greater Boston.

WATCH THE HONOREE VIDEO

Helen Chin Schlichte

Helen has been a trailblazer & guiding force for United Way over her decades of service on our Board of Directors. Helen brought impactful leaders to the table & increased representation & diversity, ensuring that more voices & perspectives could shape our direction and strengthen our work. Helen’s generosity has left a lasting imprint, including a fund she & George endowed to support learning & development for our staff. Beyond United Way, Helen’s remarkable service across Boston - from launching South Cove Manor & the Asian Community Fund to her leadership at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, to her decades of work in the public sector - has reflected a lifetime of commitment to civic leadership, equity, & building a stronger region for all.

WATCH THE HONOREE VIDEO

P&G Gillette

For decades, P&G Gillette has been one of United Way of Massachusetts Bay’s most dedicated corporate partners, setting the standard for how business can drive community impact. P&G’s partnership has spanned employee giving campaigns, board leadership, hands-on volunteer service, & corporate support that has touched thousands of families across our region. From helping ensure children have what they need to start school ready to learn, to joining our efforts to address basic needs and housing stability, P&G has been there every step of the way. Their enduring commitment exemplifies the belief that strong communities & strong businesses grow together—a value that lies at the heart of both P&G & United Way’s shared history.

WATCH THE HONOREE VIDEO

Honoring our Legacy of Leadership

For decades, visionary leaders have guided our organization with clarity, purpose, and commitment. We proudly honor our past CEOs who helped define our mission, expand our reach, and build the foundation for the organization we are today. These leaders navigated periods of growth as well as moments of significant challenge, always responding with urgency and keeping our mission—and the people we serve—at the center of every decision. All leaders ensured rapid, coordinated support in moments of crisis and profound community need.

WATCH

Marian L. Heard

Marian L. Heard’s leadership and support of United Way of Massachusetts Bay spans nearly 60 years - as a volunteer, donor, committee chair, and ultimately as President and CEO during a period of extraordinary innovation and national leadership. Under her stewardship, United Way Mass Bay became the nation’s leading United Way in major and philanthropic giving, received the United Way’s first-ever endowed chair, and raised a $30 million endowment fund. She launched groundbreaking initiatives - including Success By 6, Keeping Kids on Track and support for the unhoused - that transformed how communities invest in children and families. Marian also helped pioneer new public-private models for impact, including the Trust for Children and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) legislation and the nation’s only specialty license plate directing funds straight to children’s services, leaving a legacy of bold leadership and lasting change.

Michael K. Durkin

With a legacy of more than 40 years of service to United Way organizations across the country, Michael K. Durkin served as the President and CEO of UWMB for 10 years, deepening critical relationships that enabled future success and expanded our ability to respond to community needs. A passionate advocate for ending homelessness, Mike led the creation of the nation's first Pay for Success partnership to reduce chronic homelessness in Massachusetts. Additionally, he spearheaded statewide advocacy for an innovative tax credit that has created and preserved more than 16,785 homes through the work of community development corporations.

Milton Little

Milton Little led efforts to reimagine corporate philanthropy in a changing business landscape, and the foundation of this legacy has continued for 20 years as the Boston Business Journal’s Corporate Citizenship Summit and Awards. During his tenure, he championed critical family financial stability and educational success initiatives, expanding our work to better serve children and families across the region. His leadership at United Way Mass Bay was just the first stop in a decades-long United Way career, which continues in his current role as the President & CEO of the United Way of Greater Atlanta.

Bob Giannino

Bob Giannino spearheaded United Way’s New Way Forward seven-year impact strategy aimed at eradicating the conditions that lead to poverty and investing where there is greatest need. Under his leadership, the organization was about to reshape its approach to philanthropy to meet the pressing issues of the region guided by an innovative data-driven investment strategy. Giannino also led United Way’s pandemic recovery efforts, providing more than 400,000 households with emergency financial assistance during his time of leadership.

Marian L. Heard

Michael K. Durkin

Milton Little

Bob Giannino