Phillip Hayne, Executive Director of United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area, announced his resignation last week in order to pursue other opp

Hayne joined United Way in January 2008. During his time with the organization, he oversaw the official merger between United Way of the Valley and United Way of the Greater Utica Area and the refining of the organizations’ strategies as a single entity. He was also instrumental in the collaboration with the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Inc. and Mohawk Valley EDGE on the Leadership Alliance for a Vital Community, Community Indicators Project.

“We are thankful to Phil for all that he has done to move our United Way forward,” said Board President and Herkimer County Administrator, James Wallace. “He has led this organization through significant, positive change in how it serves both Herkimer and Oneida Counties. We wish him well in all future endeavors.”

Tim Reed, Director of Resource Development of United Way and Boilermaker Road Race Executive Director, will serve as interim Executive Director while a search committee is formed and a replacement for Hayne is identified. Reed has an extensive history with United Way, serving as the 1998 Campaign Chair; a member of the Board of Directors as Vice President of Strategic Planning from 2004-2007; a loaned executive for the 2008 campaign and Chair of the Health Committee from 2009-2010. Reed joined the staff as Campaign Director last November. He will continue as Executive Director of the Boilermaker Road Race.

“I look forward to continuing my involvement in the vitally important work of United Way,” said Reed.

During this time of transition, United Way is committed to continuing to address the most critical needs of our community. As announced last month, United Way will be investing more than $1.5 million into local programs for the 2010-2011 funding cycle.