United Way International Announces New CEO.

Long Time Volunteer and Staff Member Takes Reins At United Way International

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- United Way International has appointed Teresa Hall Bartels as its President and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 15, 2007. Bartels has served United Way for thirty years in the U.S. and overseas as both an employee and volunteer. She has been a board member of United Way International since 2000.

"I am excited at this great opportunity," Ms. Bartels said. "Many people, even those who are big supporters of United Way in this country, are unaware of what United Way is doing outside the U.S.," she continued. "It is wonderful to see the same ideas of volunteerism and community working in other countries -- maybe not in exactly the same way or always with the same name -- but in the same spirit and with the same standards and accountability."

Bartels' business career has included operating a consulting firm that serves non-profit organizations in strategic planning and leadership development and a franchise ownership of Manpower Inc. in the northern Illinois and Duluth, Minnesota markets. She was a candidate for Congress (IL-8) in 2006.

Chairman of the United Way International Board of Directors, Steve Richardson, Senior Vice President of American Express commented on the strategic vision for UWI: "Around the world philanthropy is changing. Those who give, individuals as well as companies, want to see results," he continued. "They know that the tough problems, both social and health, will take time and smart, new approaches. And they know that what happens in one part of the world can have an impact elsewhere. That's where United Way International fits in, bridging the exchange of best practices, knowledge and ideas."

Richardson continued, "The [United Way International] board realized in recent years that our goal was not to 'export' the United Way, but to make it a key part of a global and intelligent network of philanthropy. We on the board look forward to working with Teresa, and United Way of America, along with our UWI members and affiliates to create a more effective global network."

Bartels replaces Chris James-Brown, who has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer for the Child Welfare League of America. "Chris helped UWI turn an important corner; she traveled extensively strengthening our relationships in many countries and changed our perspective on community issues," said Richardson.

About United Way International

United Way International is a network of nonprofit organizations in 45 countries operating outside the U.S. It brings together leaders from the nonprofit or charitable sector, the for-profit or business sector and government to identify top local needs or issues and to develop strategies to solve community problems. Local United Ways are governed by people from the community; and the important decisions are made at home by people who understand the community circumstances where they live and work. www.uwint.org.