United Way for Southeastern Michigan, an organization committed to improving the education, economic prosperity and health of residents in underserved communities throughout the tri-counties, announced today the appointment of Steven Schwartz, CPA, to the position of chief financial officer effective January 7, 2019. Schwartz will be responsible for United Way’s overall financial integrity and operational leadership including accounting, contracts, business management and financial planning. He replaces Gloria Larkins, who retired in October.
Schwartz brings more than 20 years of financial expertise from both the corporate and nonprofit sectors to the role. Prior to joining United Way, he served as CFO for HighScope Educational Research Foundation in Ypsilanti, CFO for Michigan Credit Union in Livonia and vice president finance and controller at Detroit Regional Chamber in Detroit. Throughout his career, Schwartz has demonstrated thoughtful leadership, implementing process improvement policies as well as cost savings and revenue growth strategies. He also testified at a Senate hearing in Lansing on the negative impacts of a proposed mental health services budget.
Schwartz graduated at the top of his class at Eastern Michigan University, where he earned his BBA in accounting. He also successfully completed two leadership programs, including IEDP’s Center for Creative Leadership and Detroit Regional Chamber’s Leadership Detroit.
“In addition to Steven’s impeccable credentials, he brings compassion and a calling for serving others,” says Darienne Driver, Ed.D., president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “As we enter the next phase of United Way in our new space in the Fisher Building next year, we are delighted Steven is joining our team, ensuring the organization continues to remain fiscally strong for the children and families we serve in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.
United Way is one of the leading nonprofits in Greater Detroit. It works with an array of agency partners to solve some of the community’s most intractable issues while providing tools to help individuals and families meet their basic needs, develop economic self-sufficiency and improve educational opportunities for themselves and their children.