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Brian Gallagher

Former President & CEO

United Way of America

Brian Gallagher is a seasoned nonprofit executive renowned for his extensive tenure with United Way Worldwide, where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer from 2002 until his resignation in 2021. Born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Hobart, Indiana, Gallagher earned a bachelor's degree in social work from Ball State University in 1981 and later obtained an MBA from Emory University in 1992. He began his career with United Way as a management trainee in 1981, progressively advancing through various roles across the United States.

In 2002, Gallagher was appointed President and CEO of United Way of America. He played a pivotal role in the 2009 merger of United Way of America and United Way International, resulting in the formation of United Way Worldwide, the world's largest privately funded nonprofit organization. Under his leadership, United Way expanded its global reach, engaging nearly 3 million volunteers and over 8 million donors annually, operating in approximately 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories.

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