Rob Reifsnyder, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati, announced he would retire in May 2018 after leading one of the area’s largest and most influential nonprofits for 17 years.
Reifsnyder assumed the top leadership role at United Way of Greater Cincinnati in 2001 and grew the organization to its current ranking as the sixth largest United Way in the country with assets of $139 million and $65 million in annual revenue. Throughout his tenure United Way raised more than $1 billion to benefit individuals in need.
Under Reifsnyder’s leadership, United Way convened top leaders and area nonprofits to build community will around key regional issues, including the importance of investing in kindergarten readiness and reducing regional poverty. As a result, for over a decade United Way’s top investment has been in kindergarten readiness solutions, and in 2016, Reifsnyder championed United Way to serve as the trusted entity executing Cincinnati Preschool Promise – enabling thousands of additional Cincinnati children to attend quality preschool. Reifsnyder oversaw United Way’s role as a founding partner for the Child Poverty Collaborative, and most recently United Way has created the United for Opportunity Agenda to help families and individuals across the region move from poverty toward self-sufficiency.
United Way’s ambitious strategic direction, Impact 2020, led Reifsnyder to convene community organizations to develop the Bold Goals for Our Region, prioritizing improving the health, education, and financial stability of all in our region. He also oversaw the $12 million renovation of its primary offices located at 2400 Reading Road, and guided the merger of Dearborn & Ohio Counties in Indiana and Grant County, Kentucky into the organization’s 10-county service area.
“It has been an honor to serve the Greater Cincinnati community for nearly two decades as the president of United Way of Greater Cincinnati,” said Reifsnyder. “This is an incredibly giving community, extremely engaged in finding new ways to help people improve their lives. While much work remains to be done, I am excited about the future of Greater Cincinnati and our United Way.”
A graduate of Princeton University, Reifsnyder’s 42-year career has been dedicated to service at several United Ways throughout the United States. Prior to joining United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Reifsnyder served as President of Metro United Way in Louisville for 14 years – where he led the organization to become the fourth fastest growing United Way.
“Rob Reifsnyder is one of the most outstanding United Way leaders of his generation. He’s committed to our community impact mission, and knows how to connect with donors, volunteers, and all stakeholders, which is what’s necessary to scale the impact. Our worldwide network will miss Rob’s day-to-day leadership and voice,” said Brian Gallagher, president and CEO, United Way Worldwide.
Julia Poston, Cincinnati Office Managing Partner at Ernst & Young LLP and United Way of Greater Cincinnati Board Chair, will oversee the national search.
In addition to his leadership at United Way, Reifsnyder currently serves on numerous local boards.