United Way of Greater Charlotte Announces Kathryn Firmin-Sellers as President & CEO
After conducting a thorough national search led by Charlotte-based firm Nexus Search Partners, the United Way of Greater Charlotte Board of Directors has named Kathryn Firmin-Sellers as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2025.
Firmin-Sellers steps into the role as the seventh leader of the 94-year-old organization, succeeding Laura Yates Clark, who accepted the position of President at Foundation For The Carolinas in May 2024. With nearly a decade of previous experience at United Way, Firmin-Sellers brings a deep commitment to the mission, an intimate understanding of the needs of the greater Charlotte community, and a proven track record of driving impact and results.
Firmin-Sellers was appointed Interim President and CEO in July 2024 after previously serving the organization as Chief Impact Officer and Executive Vice President. Over the last nine months, she has continued advancing United Way’s mission, overseeing nearly $18 million in community investments and supporting 134 nonprofit organizations across Anson, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg and Union Counties.
“Kathryn’s depth of experience with the organization and the community made her an exceptional candidate from the beginning of the CEO search and selection process,” said Bill Currens, Chair of the United Way of Greater Charlotte Board of Directors. “Under Kathryn’s leadership and with her unwavering commitment to United Way’s mission, we look forward to continuing the critical work of supporting children and families in our region.”
As she transitions into the permanent role, Firmin-Sellers will continue to advance the strategic priorities of the organization, support the evolving needs of the greater Charlotte community, ensure the United Way team’s alignment to the critical mission of the organization, and engage with key stakeholders and community leaders to continue expanding the organization’s community impact efforts.
“I’m honored and excited to continue the work,” said Firmin-Sellers. “United Way is my home, and I look forward to leading our talented, mission-driven team as we build on our progress to create lasting change in the community.”
Since joining United Way in 2018, Firmin-Sellers has led strategic initiatives to promote racial equity, strengthen disinvested communities, and enhance economic mobility through partnerships with philanthropic, corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors. Firmin-Sellers spearheaded A Home For All, a comprehensive effort to address housing instability and homelessness, and played a key role in launching the COVID-19 Response Fund, which raised and distributed nearly $24 million to 237 local nonprofits for essential community support.
Before United Way, Firmin-Sellers spent 11 years at Safe Alliance as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing strategic planning, program evaluation, and the management of the organization’s domestic violence shelter while implementing data-driven strategies to improve program effectiveness.
Firmin-Sellers was a senior relationship manager for United Way of Greater Charlotte from 2005-2007, leading the relationship between United Way and its community partners and volunteers in the Mooresville/Lake Norman area.
Firmin-Sellers previously served in roles with the Lake Norman Community Development Council and the Davidson Partnership for Children and Families after beginning her career as an associate professor at Indiana University.
Firmin-Sellers earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Carleton College and a master’s degree and doctorate in political science from Duke University.
About United Way of Greater Charlotte
United Way of Greater Charlotte uses collective giving to advance economic mobility and racial equity, primarily through neighborhood-based, grassroots and responsive solutions. For more information, please visit www.unitedwaygreaterCLT.org.