Get To Know The Board: Ann Fox, United Way NEXT's 2026 Board Chair
United Way NEXT is excited to introduce you to our 2026 Board Chair, Ann Fox!
Ann was born in Allentown, PA and later moved to the Reading area where she graduated from Wilson High School in West Lawn. She attended Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Public Relations. Before launching her career as a nonprofit professional, she served as HR Director at Donecker’s. Now, with over three decades of nonprofit leadership experience, the United Way alumni serves as Senior Advisor to the Chief Development Officer at PPFA.
Ann and her husband Bob divide their time between a small farm in Fleetwood, PA, and their getaway home in Bath, Maine. They love to spend time outdoors, hiking with their two Golden Retrievers, Woodrow and Wilson, kayaking and skiing.
In this insightful Q&A, we’ll delve into the experiences and motivations behind Ann’s years of service in the United Way network and beyond. Plus, you’ll get a chance to hear about her vision for United Way NEXT and get to know her better too!
Wilson & Woodrow enjoying an outing at Five Islands Lobster Shack, Georgetown, ME.
Q&A With Ann Fox
When did you start your United Way journey & what has it looked like over the years?
I started as a volunteer for the United Way of Berks County serving as an annual campaign manager and trainer for volunteer campaign solicitors. My involvement grew from volunteer to paid staff member when I was offered the Leadership Giving Manager position. It was a leap of faith, for me and for that United Way, but it felt like the right thing to do. From there I had incredible supervisors and mentors in the network that encouraged me to take on more. I left the United Way of Berks County as VP of Major Gifts and Planned Giving to move to the United Way of Greater Portland, Maine (now UW of Southern Maine) as SVP Resource Development. I was only in Portland for two years, but I learned so very much in the role. From there I joined United Way of America as the VP, Major Gifts, where I worked for eight years. With each move I had the privilege of meeting and working with incredible staff colleagues and volunteers committed to the United Way mission. I am a proud loyal contributor of 40 years!
What was your original connection to United Way NEXT & why did you decide to get involved?
As seems to be the response to this question, I was asked by friend and colleague, Barbara Edmond, to get involved. As was true in my work with United Way, the support and encouragement to do more from people I respect led me to take on the role of board chair.
How have your beginning years shaped your appreciation and involvement with United Way NEXT?
Quite simply - the people. Working for United Way gave me the opportunity to work with and learn from smart, caring people, both staff and volunteers. I valued then, and value now, the connection to the people with whom I worked as a staff person and also to meet and work with the next generations of like-minded people.
As a United Way NEXT supporter and volunteer for nearly 10 years, tell us about the moment you were asked to join the board and chair it in 2026.
Barbara Edmond asked me to join the board and having worked with Barbara during our years at United Way Worldwide, I knew it would be a good experience. And when Paul asked me to join him as chair-elect and then chair, again, given my experiences working with Paul I knew we would work well together for a shared purpose.
What are you looking forward to as the incoming Board Chair?
I feel an immense responsibility as the steward of this organization in the role of board chair. I have also seen incredible growth and transformation of the organization since I have been involved. I am looking most forward to leading our new board to continue the trajectory of growth.
Carole Peters and United Way NEXT’s Board Chairs from 2022-2026 (in order).
With your background in Development & Major Gifts, how do you think that experience will play into your role with us NEXT year?
We have BIG plans for this organization. And one thing that I will forever carry with me is the United Way godmother of Major Gifts, Ruth Maldonado reminding us new recruits; “donors don’t give to needs; they give to dazzling dreams and visions”. I look forward to sharing with our members and sponsors that together, with their support, we will reach our vision of exponential growth of our membership.
Knowing the impact volunteers have in the United Way network, what advice do you have for individuals interested in volunteering with us?
We have so many varied volunteer opportunities. I encourage our members to use their participation with UW NEXT to further their learning and personal growth by doing something outside their comfort zone with us. I will use myself as an example. When asked to co-chair the Member Services workgroup, I remember thinking I know just about enough about this work to be dangerous! But I recruited people that I respected with the knowledge of the work. Together we did some amazing work that in the coming months we will see come to fruition. As Eleanor Roosevelt encouraged, “Do one thing every day that scares you”.
What’s one thing you wish United Way professionals and alumni knew about United Way NEXT?
How this organization continues to transform into a vibrant forum for connection to a vast collection of like-minded people who share the hopes and dreams of a better world for all.
Besides United Way NEXT, what other organizations or nonprofits are you involved with?
Of course, my local United Way, Flying Dutchmen Ski Club, and a local family foundation.
What final words do you have for our readers?
I hope you will join me in recruiting new members to our organization in the coming year. We are working everyday to develop opportunities to engage our members in meaningful and relevant ways. If you have ideas, speak up! We’d love to hear from you.
Ann Fox presenting “Places of Potential” at UW NEXT’s 2025 Board Retreat.
Rapid Fire Questions
What’s the most adventurous food you’ve ever tried?
Octopus
What did you want to be when you grew up?
An Environmentalist
Who’s the coolest celebrity/person of influence you’ve ever met?
The dog from the movie, Racing in the Rain! He was flying first class, I was in coach!
What’s one thing you’re unbeatable at?
Scrabble
What was your favorite subject in school?
English/Writing
What are your go to pizza toppings?
Pepperoni and onions
What’s something you want to get better at?
Managing my calendar
What’s the worst piece of advice you’ve ever heard?
Don’t take a job where you will make less money. (I would have never ended up at UW if I had listened to that advice!)
Outdoor portrait of Ann Fox.
As we look ahead to the coming year, we’re incredibly grateful for Ann’s leadership, vision, and commitment to strengthening our United Way NEXT community. Her passion for service reflects the heart of who we are, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together under her guidance!
We invite you to join us in all that’s ahead as we continue creating meaningful connections, elevating new voices, and building a vibrant, welcoming space for United Way professionals and alumni. We’re so glad you’re part of this journey with us 💙