BOSTON – United Way of Massachusetts Bay President and CEO Bob Giannino announced today that after nearly four years he will step down from his position for health-related reasons and a family decision to relocate. The decision has been under thoughtful consideration, in consultation with the United Way’s Board of Directors, for several months to ensure a smooth transition. Daphne Principe-Griffin, Chief of Staff at United Way of Massachusetts Bay will serve in the role of interim president and CEO while a search for a permanent leader is underway.
“I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together at United Way of Massachusetts Bay,” Giannino said. “While I have every reason to believe I can manage my health, now is the time for me to step away and focus on it. I have been blessed to work with an incredible and talented team, a deeply dedicated Board of Directors, transformative nonprofits led by truly inspiring leaders, and committed and generous partners in the public, private, and philanthropic sectors. I believe, with immeasurable conviction, that United Way of Massachusetts Bay’s best days are ahead of it as it advances its work to address persistent inequities in our region and ensure access to financial wellbeing is universal and prosperity is shared across race and ethnicity.”
Under Gianinno’s leadership, United Way of Massachusetts Bay recently launched a new seven-year impact strategy with 124 partner organizations in a first-of-its kind effort to eradicate the conditions that lead to poverty and economic injustice. United Way’s New Way Forward reshaped the organization’s approach to philanthropy to meet the pressing issues of the region. Through the multi-million-dollar grant initiative, United Way is mobilizing nonprofit, corporate, government and community partners to move toward a future where every individual in the region, across race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, will be empowered to meet their financial goals and achieve financial wellbeing.
“Bob’s visionary leadership has steered United Way of Massachusetts Bay to the cusp of an exciting next chapter,” said Tammi Wortham, Chair of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay’s Board. “During his tenure, Bob supported the organization to catalyze progress across our impact areas and diverse communities. His contributions have positioned us for transformative change at this pivotal juncture. On behalf of the board, we are tremendously grateful for Bob’s leadership and commitment to advancing an economically just region. While he will be sorely missed, we will continue building on the ambitious New Way Forward agenda he helped develop. As we search for United Way of Massachusetts Bay’s next leader, we seek someone who shares Bob's commitment to amplifying community voices, pursuing meaningful and equitable change, and innovating to drive systemic change. I speak for all directors in expressing our heartfelt appreciation for Bob’s indelible service."
Principe-Griffin, who previously served as the City of Boston’s Chief of Human Services under Mayor Thomas Menino, is a long-time non-profit leader and will begin her tenure as interim president and CEO on April 1st. Principe-Griffin joined United Way in 2021.
“Daphne is an exceptional leader who is well-equipped to lead the United Way of Massachusetts Bay through this transition, " said Wortham. “Daphne has worked with and for some of the most important social service providers in our region and will be an incredible asset as we move forward to help providers empower generational change and reach new heights.”
“My heart is full of gratitude for Bob’s leadership, friendship, and commitment to this work,” said Principe-Griffin. “He has set us up for great success as we drill into the strategies that were developed over many years to change the way philanthropy works in our City and Commonwealth. I am honored to work with the entire United Way of Massachusetts Bay team during this moment of transition to ensure we deliver on our commitments to our donors, partners, and the communities they serve.”
Giannino will support the organization and interim leadership through the end of the fiscal year.
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About United Way of Massachusetts Bay
United Way of Massachusetts Bay exists to build more equitable communities, together. With over 85 years of local impact in eastern Massachusetts, we work with and for our communities to build economic prosperity and enable everyone–across races and ethnicities–to share in the knowledge, wealth and resources available. We believe that the key to unlocking opportunity is uniting people, and we bring together individuals, community leaders, corporate partners, legislators and organizations to build a powerful engine of change. Visit www.unitedwaymassbay.org for more information.
Media Contact:
Brigid Boyd, Chief of Public Affairs, United Way of Massachusetts Bay , bboyd@supportunitedway.org , 339.236.1161