News

Nov. 26, 2024

United Way of the Southern Tier President and CEO Stephen M. Hughes will retire after nearly 11 years at the helm of the local non-profit.

"I have been privileged to be part of United Way and to work with local companies, governments, nonprofits and other organizations to address our community's complex challenges," Hughes said. "I have had a front-row seat to this region's altruism and its unlimited compassion for our children, senior citizens, and people in need."

United Way Board Chairperson David Walker thanked Hughes for his service and for ensuring the board had generous time to enact a succession plan. Board members have spent the past several months identifying the qualities and characteristics paramount to the leadership role, Walker noted.

“We are thrilled to share that our current Vice President of Business Systems and Operations, Maleaha Smith, has been selected as the next president and CEO of United Way of the Southern Tier,” Walker said.

Smith has worked at United Way since 2015, holding leadership roles in operations, data analysis, and marketing.

“United Way focuses on individuals and organizations joining forces to ensure everyone can thrive, ” Smith said. “I am grateful to the board of directors for entrusting me with leading our team as we embark on the next chapter for United Way of the Southern Tier. I am excited to take on this role and to enhance our collaboration with groups across the region to find solutions for our most pressing community issues.”

Hughes started at United Way of the Southern Tier in 2007 as vice president of resource development. He was named president and CEO in March 2014. Spanning his nearly 18-year career, Hughes played a central role in raising over $60 million in philanthropic funds to improve lives in the region.

During his tenure as CEO, United Way of the Southern Tier:
• Implemented a strategic shift to focus on programs serving children, senior citizens and people in need, more widely known as Southern Tier Kids on Track, Senior Support Network, and Basic Needs Network.
• Launched a partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a national literacy program which provides free books by mail to nearly 5,000 young children each month in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties.
• Bolstered funding to local organizations during COVID so that emergency assistance programs could serve more people and youth distance learning sites could be opened.
• Created the Senior Supports Fund to provide additional financial grants to local programs that serve the growing 65+ population.
• Elevated its role in the community during natural disasters to serve as a coordinator of human services, and to be a source of financial aid to impacted residents. Additionally, United Way of the Southern Tier worked with local officials in Chemung, Steuben, and Schuyler counties to develop a long-term disaster recovery plan.

Prior to working at United Way, Hughes was the development director at Catholic Charities of Chemung and Schuyler Counties. He was mayor of the City of Elmira from 1998 to 2005. Hughes, who lives in Elmira with his wife, Linda, said he plans to enjoy grandchildren, travel, play golf and stay active though volunteering in the Elmira community in his retirement.

Smith’s background is in business and nonprofit management. She brings experience working in the local nonprofit sector in the areas of marketing, business development, and strategic planning. She resides in Steuben County with her husband and three children.  

For more information, please contact United Way Director of Communications and Community Engagement Lois Wilson by email or at 607-377-5834.