Marissa Christie and Jamie Haddon
Credit: Submitted/LevittownNow.com
The United Way of Bucks County has a new CEO.
The Falls Township-based nonprofit has appointed Chief Development Officer Marissa Christie to step in to the CEO role as Jamie Haddon leaves the organization for a position in the private sector. She will be the first woman to lead the local nonprofit in its decades of operation.
Haddon, whose last day at the local United Way was Monday, said he is proud of his role helping the community.
At events for the nonprofit, board members and supporters have credited Haddon with helping grow the organization and drawing more community involvement. Haddon has helped the United Way of Bucks County grow its quality pre-K program, Bucks’ Knocks Out Hunger, Stuff the Bus and many other programs that help the basic needs of locals.
“I loved it. It’s been nearly five years, and I love the impact we’re making the in the community,” Haddon told NewtownPANow.com Monday night.
Haddon said he believes Christie is ready to take the helm of the nonprofit after working there for six years.
“I am grateful beyond words for this opportunity,” Christie said. “Together with my colleagues, our board, and the donors, advocates, and volunteers who support United Way, we’ve accomplished a lot over the past few years. With the continued support of the community, my team and I will build on these successes.”
Christie, a graduate of American University, started at the United Way of Bucks County in 2010 after working as community relations manager for Barnes & Noble and the sales and marketing coordinator for Scholastic in Auckland, New Zealand.
“I really feel that the past four years working with Jamie has prepared me for this role,” Christie said, adding she is aware of the challenges and the opportunities in front of the nonprofit.
“The Board of Directors is very happy that Marissa has assumed the leadership of United Way Bucks County,” said Brian Jeter, chairman of the board. “During her six years, she has truly helped UWBC bring people together for the greater good. Her accomplishments are numerous, and we look forward to more successes under her leadership.”
Christie, who has led the #girlsSTEM program and developed Bucks Knocks Out Hunger, will be taking the helm at the United Way of Bucks County as it pivots to focus even more on challenges facing the community through a Collective Impact funding model.
Haddon will be taking on a new role as the vice president of sales for Fire Planning Associates, which is based in Upper Makefield. The new job fits Haddon’s years of experience working in emergency services. He is the third generation of emergency responders in his family.
Christie, Haddon said, is well versed and prepared to take on the challenge of leading the United Way of Bucks County.
“The mission of United Way means so much to me. We work hard to build connections in our community,” Christie said. “We connect people who want to help with people who need care. We mobilize resources and direct them to the right places. We provide opportunities because we know that we are all connected. It matters to us – and to me personally – that people can lead healthy and prosperous lives. We are all better off when the people in our community succeed.”
