NASHVILLE, TN — United Way of Metropolitan Nashville announced that its Board of Trustees has unanimously chosen Brian Hassett as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. Hassett, who currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Greater Capital Region in Albany, New York, will succeed the late Eric Dewey, effective January 1, 2018.
“After a thorough search process and meeting with several qualified candidates, our Board of Trustees is confident Brian Hassett is the best fit for our organization and its objectives,” said Mike Schatzlein, Board Chair for United Way of Metropolitan Nashville. “While there were many qualified candidates, Brian’s low-key, yet focused, leadership approach will serve our organization well as he becomes integrated in Nashville’s business and non-profit communities. He has a proven track record of success in developing and leading innovative outreach concepts and programs, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to our team.”
The selection of Hassett caps a thorough succession planning and a comprehensive search process. The Board-appointed Search Committee, in conjunction with KornFerry, a global executive recruiting and leadership firm, conducted a nationwide search of potential candidates spanning many non-profit and business sectors to find the right candidate for the position.
“I’m both humbled and honored to lead United Way of Metropolitan Nashville’s team of dedicated and talented professionals,” said Brian Hassett, incoming President and Chief Executive Officer. “I appreciate the impact an organization like the United Way can have on a person’s life. The opportunity to lead this initiative in a thriving city such as Nashville is something any leader would welcome.”
The selection of Hassett as President and Chief Executive Officer is in line with United Way of Metropolitan Nashville’s mission to partner with the community through three entry points of engagement – volunteer, advocate and give. Hassett has a history of collaborating with various sectors of the communities in which he has served: business, non-profit and philanthropic leaders, local and regional government, and other United Way offices. His understanding of the value and role of each area of engagement is demonstrated through his ability to unite people and organizations around a common cause.
In addition to his current role with United Way of the Greater Capital Region, Hassett has also served as President and CEO of the United Way of Chicago, where he managed an operating budget of over $9 million and a staff of 150 in the organization’s efforts to promote the health, education financial stability and safety of the region. Additionally, Hassett previously served as Chairman of the Professional Board of United Way of New York State. Hassett’s other previous positions include President and CEO of the Valley of the Sun United Way in Phoenix, as well as President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona.
“Brian Hassett has always been a visionary leader able to inspire others to accomplish lofty goals. Brian is innovative and creative, always putting community success first. He’s proven this time and again at local United Ways across the country,” said Brian A. Gallagher, President and CEO, United Way Worldwide. “He has also extended his impact nationwide working in collaboration with others to build network-wide solutions in technology and donor services. All of us at United Way Worldwide congratulate Brian and the community of metropolitan Nashville on this new appointment.”
Hassett currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer for United Way of the Greater Capital Region in Albany, New York, a position he has held since 2011. In this role, Hassett leads a team of 20 individuals in the strategic planning and reorganization of the organization’s annual campaign. Under his leadership, the organization was named Albany Business Review’s “Non-profit of the Year” in 2013. United Way of the Greater Capital Region also received the three largest individual gifts in organization history in 2014 under Hassett’s leadership.
Hassett holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Niagara University in New York. He also received his Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island.
For more information about United Way of Metropolitan Nashville, visit https://www.unitedwaynashville.org
