CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – United Way of the Coastal Bend will soon have a new leader: Stephanie Jordan.
The nonprofit's Board of Directors unanimously approved Jordan's appointment as the next President and CEO after she was recommended as the top candidate by the Selection Committee. The committee reviewed about a dozen applications, narrowed the field to three and interviewed them.
Jordan was first hired in 2017 and currently serves as the organization's Vice President of Resource Development and Communications. She spent three decades working for newspapers in Chicago and its suburbs along with the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.
"I'm honored the board chose me because I've always loved the United Way's mission and I'm proud of what our entire team does in service to the community, " Jordan said. "I look forward to making a stronger connection between our generous donors and those they are helping."
Through her role she's led countless fundraisers, formed new corporate partnerships, and expanded community events including Operation Supply Our Students and United Way's Golf Classic. Last year alone her team raised more than $4 million.
The 30th annual golf event in October also was the nonprofit's largest fundraising event of the year. Proceeds support local education, health and financial stability initiatives.
"Our community deserves nothing less than a proven and visionary leader, who is genuinely devoted to making the Coastal Bend better," said Catherine Hilliard, the nonprofit's board chair. "That's why I'm delighted that we have found that in Stephanie and look forward to seeing United Way of the Coastal Bend's continued growth with her at the helm."
Libby Averyt, the organization's current leader, plans to retire to focus on spending more time with family and friends. She had served as CEO since 2019 and plans to aid in the transition. Averyt has known Jordan more than two decades, which is why she's confident Jordan is the right person to lead the nonprofit into the future.
"Stephanie has an unusual mix of professional experience and achievement along with personal compassion and empathy. That means she leads others to be successful while keeping the focus on our neighbors, who may be less fortunate,” Averyt said.
Jordan officially takes on her new role Feb. 1, 2024.