President and CEO
Education
Harvard University, University of Michigan, Spelman College
Dr. Darienne Hudson is a high-energy nonprofit executive and life-long educator serving as President and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan, located in Detroit and serving Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties. Before joining United Way in July 2018, she spent four years as superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools. Dr. Hudson began her career as an elementary school teacher in Detroit Public Schools, a point of personal pride.
Dr. Hudson believes in the power of collective impact and in the importance of public-private partnerships to solve societal issues and inequity. She is purposefully and intentionally leading her 100-plus-year-old organization in a direction that places an emphasis on listening to the community to address its greatest needs and improve the lives throughout the region.
Her ability to mobilize corporations, foundations, and individual donors to orchestrate a coordinated community-based effort in response to the coronavirus pandemic garnered international praise and recognition. Dr. Hudson continues to lead United Way with the same sense of urgency and passion. Throughout her tenure, the organization has raised more than $348 million to support individuals and families in need across Southeastern Michigan.
Dr. Hudson proudly co-chairs the Mayor’s Workforce Development Board, and she serves on the boards of the Detroit Children’s Fund, the Detroit Public Schools Foundation, Connect313, United Way Worldwide, and recently completed her term on the Board of Overseers for Harvard University.
Dr. Hudson's academic achievements include a doctorate from Harvard University in Urban Superintendency, a master's degree in education from Harvard University, and a master’s degree in curriculum development from the University of Michigan. Her undergraduate degree in child development is from Spelman College.