After an extensive national search, members of the board of directors of United Way of Summit County are pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Mullen as the organization’s next president and CEO.
Mullen comes to United Way of Summit County from United Way of Metropolitan Nashville where he currently serves as director, workplace engagement. A veteran of the United Way system, Mullen also served as senior manager, resource development for United Way of Greater Cleveland. Prior to his United Way service, Mullen owned a very successful small business in Lakewood, Ohio and worked as executive director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Cleveland. Mullen was selected for the position by a search committee comprised of United Way board members. The search began last fall after Bob Kulinski, United Way president and CEO from 2000 to the present, announced his retirement.
“We are excited to have Jim join our team. His skills and experience with community engagement and fundraising, as well as his commitment to community impact make him a perfect fit for our United Way,” said Bill Feth, president and CEO of AESCO Holdings, LLC, chairman of the board for United Way of Summit County and chair of the search committee. We are confident that Jim will take the important work of United Way to the next level.”
“It’s an honor to have the confidence of the board of directors, and I look forward to working with them to lead United Way of Summit County in its next chapter,” said Mullen “I am impressed by the dedication of the staff and volunteers and I am excited to build on this organization’s considerable strengths and achievements as we pursue opportunities that have a great scaled impact on the Summit County community.”
“In his most recent role in Nashville, Jim has been part of a leadership team that is among the most respected in the United Way system nationwide,” said Christine Amer Mayer, president of the GAR Foundation and co-chair of the search committee. “His service on a high-performance leadership team and immersion in a culture of best practices carried a lot of weight with members of the committee.”
Mullen graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in communications. He and his wife, Beth, have three children.
Mullen’s start date will be May 4, 2015. He will be introduced to the Summit County community at United Way’s annual meeting on April 22 at the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron. Kulinski will continue to serve as president and CEO until May 4.
About United Way of Summit County
United Way of Summit County advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. Our focus is on Education, Income and Health because these are the building blocks for a good quality of life. We train a spotlight on critical issues, engage with private and public sector leaders and coordinate agendas with partners to leverage Collective Impact. We invite everyone to be part of the change by giving, advocating and volunteering. When we work together in common purpose, we LIVE UNITED. For more information about United Way of Summit County visit uwsummit.org.