Brandon Lee is the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. He joined the organization in August of 2013 as an AmeriCorps VISTA. In his role, Brandon oversees a broad portfolio of work, including the Community Impact and Strategy & Transformation departments, and organizational special projects.
In 2023, Brandon spearheaded the successful merger of United Way for Southeastern Michigan with United Way of Washtenaw County, increasing United Way’s impact and outreach to encompass all four counties in Southeastern Michigan: Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne. In 2020, Brandon played a pivotal role in launching and project managing United Way’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, raising more than $37 million to support the region. On multiple occasions, Brandon has partnered closely with Board leadership to develop enterprise strategic plans. He was part of the leadership team at United Way in 2021 which earned the title of Crain’s Detroit Business Best Managed Nonprofit.
Brandon brings more than 12 years of nonprofit and philanthropy experience to his role. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he founded a 501(c)(3) organization focused on college access, preparation, and retention for youth in Detroit. He later spent four years on United Way’s education team, including 18 months supporting the Coalition for the Future of Detroit Schoolchildren as a project manager for the Choice Is Ours Report and related legislative efforts.
An alumnus of Oakland University, Brandon holds a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in political science. He received Oakland University’s 10 Within 10 Award in 2019 and later served as a mentor in Leadership OU. He is also a graduate of United Way Worldwide’s Advanced Leadership Program, a yearlong global leadership development experience.
Brandon is the Board Chair of the Michigan Association of United Ways and is a long-time board member and the former Vice-Chair of Developing K.I.D.S., a Detroit-based youth development organization. His recent accolades include being named a 2025 Crain’s Detroit Business 40 Under 40 honoree and a 2025 Crain’s Notable Leaders in Philanthropy. He was also recognized by Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter as a member of Oakland County’s 2025 40 under 40 class.
In his free time, Brandon enjoys traveling, especially road trips, as well as golfing, reading and spending time with friends and family. In the summer, you can often find him at Comerica Park, cheering on the Tigers.