United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Michael J. Brennan, president, United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Michael J. Brennan is president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan, an organization dedicated to impacting lives and shaping communities in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, with the assistance of more than 20,000 volunteers and supporters across the region.

Mr. Brennan joined the organization in January 2004 (when the organization was known as United Way Community Services). He is the youngest executive ever to lead the metropolitan Detroit area United Way. Since coming aboard, he has guided the organization through a period of unprecedented change.

Under Mr. Brennan's leadership, United Way Community Services and United Way of Oakland County agreed to join forces in April 2005 and form United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM). This new organization - with a new mission, vision and business model - builds upon the strengths of the two previous organizations.

In terms of fundraising, his leadership helped the organization meet its annual campaign goal for the first time in several years. The $64.5 million generated during the 2004 Torch Drive makes UWSEM one of the largest United Ways nationally based on dollars raised. Those funds support a diverse array of community impact programs that empower neighborhoods, protect and nurture children and youth, strengthen families, and promote health and wellness.

Mr. Brennan came to metro Detroit from United Way of America (UWA), the national organization serving 1,350 United Ways nationwide. As that organization's executive vice president, he oversaw Community Impact, Public Policy, Research Services and Resource Development operations.

Prior to his tenure at UWA, Mr. Brennan spent 10 years at Heart of West Michigan United Way in Grand Rapids (MI) from 1992 to 2002, including seven years as president. He was recruited to Grand Rapids from the Greater Kalamazoo (MI) United Way, where he managed fundraising efforts from 1988 to 1992.

Mr. Brennan began his distinguished United Way career in Detroit as a fundraiser in1985, after graduating from Michigan State University. Additionally, he has completed executive programs at both the Harvard Business School and the Center for Creative Leadership.

Active in a number of regional causes over the years, Mr. Brennan currently sits on the board of New Detroit Inc. and serves as a member of the Super Bowl XL Host Committee, where he chairs the Volunteer Recruitment Advisory Committee.