United Way of Greater New Bedford rang in 2008 under new leadership, announcing that Robert Manny CPA, Senior Director of Customer Services at Princess House, Inc. will serve as Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors.

“It’s with great enthusiasm that I take on this role,” said Mr. Manny.  “In working with United Way in the past, I’ve been able to see the impact that they make first-hand by bridging community resources and non-profit organizations to address our most pressing needs.”

Mr. Manny has served on the Board since 1999, most recently serving as Treasurer.  He was voted into office at United Way’s Annual Meeting. 

“We are thrilled to have Bob on board in such an important capacity,” stated Michelle N. Hantman, United Way President.  “His strong leadership skills and commitment to United Way will undoubtedly be a great benefit to us throughout the year.”

United Way’s Board of Directors operates entirely in a volunteer capacity, directing the organization’s strategic plan as well as their policies and procedures.

In addition to Mr. Manny, the following community members were elected as officers: Dennis Galvam, NSTAR (Vice Chair); Nancy McFadden, Bridgewater State College(Vice Chair); Orren Robbins (Clerk); Arthur Kelly III (Past Chair); Robert Pielech, CPA, Rosenfield, Raymon & Pielech (Treasurer); Atty. Jane Pineau (Of Counsel).

Other newly elected members of United Way’s Board of Directors are: Hershel Alpert - Alpert Consulting; Andrew Guilbeault – BankFive; Sarah Lamothe – Verizon; Atty. Joseph Michaud - Henry & Michaud, LLP; Emily Viera - Lockheed Martin; and Gary Schuyler - YMCA Southcoast.

United Way of Greater New Bedford is a non-profit organization that was established in 1953.  The United Way enables every member of the community to play an active role in local philanthropy by bringing together volunteers, donors, community leaders, and corporate partners to provide quality programs and initiatives that achieve positive results.  Its service area has a population in excess of 200,000.

United Way of Greater New Bedford

United Way of Greater New Bedford works to bring together individuals, businesses and organizations to address our community’s most urgent needs.  We believe that to truly improve lives in our region, we must act collectively to impact the critical issues affecting our neighborhoods – building a better community for us all.

Through an annual campaign, we provide funding to more than 60 programs at local health and human service agencies serving residents of New Bedford, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester and Wareham.  In addition, we administer a number of programs to address specific needs in our community.  Through the Hunger Commission of Southeastern Massachusetts we supply food to emergency soup kitchens and food pantries in Bristol County, while our Community Building Mini-Grants Program provides funding and skill-building opportunities to all-volunteer groups. In addition, our Volunteer Solutions database provides the only local online volunteer tool to match willing volunteers with nonprofits in need of support.

It takes our whole community working together to reach our goals.  Whether it requires fundraising, planning, or just getting people to work together, that’s what we do. 

We need your support!  Visit www.unitedwayofgnb.org to learn more about the different ways that you can help.

View all articles by United Way of Greater New Bedford