DETROIT, MI – September 25, 2025 – United Way for Southeastern Michigan today announced a series of updates to its Board of Directors, effective October 1, 2025. The changes include the election of a new Chair, new officer roles, and the addition of two new community leaders to the board.
Luanne Thomas Ewald has been named the new Chair of the Board of Directors. Professionally, she is President/Chief Operating Officer of C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital. She succeeds Ed Siaje, who will assume the role of Immediate Past Chair. Ewald has served on the United Way board and has supported community-wide efforts for seven years, most recently as Vice Chair, and brings a deep commitment to the organization’s mission of creating a more equitable region where all families can thrive.
“Luanne’s dedication to our community and her strategic leadership are incredible assets to our work,” said Darienne Hudson, president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Her passion for driving meaningful change is exactly what we need as we build on our momentum and face new challenges. We are so grateful for her stellar service to our work and for taking on this commitment as we help families move from crisis to stability and from stability to prosperity.”
This announcement comes at a pivotal time. Recent ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data shows that 42% of households across Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties are struggling to afford the basics, underscoring the critical need for United Way’s work in financial stability, community engagement, and impact.
“I am incredibly honored to take on this role,” said incoming Board Chair Luanne Thomas Ewald. “The need in our community is real, but so is the resolve of this board and this United Way team. I am eager to roll up my sleeves alongside my fellow board members and to work together to create opportunities for every family to thrive.”
Additional Board Updates Effective October 1, 2025:
· Ed Siaje moves to the role of Immediate Past Chair.
· David Parent has been elected as Vice Chair.
· Maria Dwyer remains Secretary.
· Jim Robinson has been elected as the Treasurer.
· The board also recognizes Mark Stiers as Chair Emeritus.
New Board Members: United Way for Southeastern Michigan also welcomes two new members to its Board of Directors:
· Renee Tomina, DTE Energy
· Dave Maroun, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
“We are also thrilled to welcome Renee and Dave to our board,” added Hudson. “Their fresh energy and expertise are exactly what we need to spark new ideas and accelerate our mission.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Jerome Espy for United Way, jerome.espy@liveunitedsem.org, 248-417-9567 (mobile)
About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan, a member of the United Way Worldwide network and an independently governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works to help households become stable and ensure children have the support they need to thrive. For more than 100 years, United Way has been a leader in creating positive, measurable, and sustainable change in communities throughout southeast Michigan. United Way works in partnership with donors, agencies, corporate and municipal partners to help families meet their basic needs of housing, food, health care, and family finances, and ensure children start school ready to learn and graduate ready for life. To give, advocate, volunteer or learn more, visit UnitedWaySEM.org.
###