Welcome Robert Hines to The UWRA Board

We are excited to announce one of our newest Board Members Robert Hines. Robert brings a plethora of experience and executive leadership to the UWRA Board.  

UWRA: Tell us about yourself.
​Robert: I served six years in the United States Navy before being recruited by Amoco Oil Company (now BP Oil), where I spent 20 years of my professional career in various executive roles. My family and I moved seven times and lived in almost every region of the country during that time.

While living in Scottsdale, AZ, I was recruited to become President of the Upward Foundation, a school for K-12 special needs children. This opportunity was my initial introduction to working in the philanthropic world and led to my professional tenure with the United Way.

UWRA: Describe your history with United Way.
Robert: A United Way colleague invited me to assist with a unique project for the United Way in Albany, NY. As I was leaving Albany at the end of the project, I was offered the position of Campaign Director and humbly served in that role for three years.

In 2004, I was selected as the fourth President & CEO of United Way of Cumberland County in Fayetteville, NC, where I served for sixteen years, retiring in July 2020.

My time in Fayetteville filled me with such a sense of purpose and belonging. My proudest accomplishments include launching the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (which delivered nearly a half-million books to children in our community over the past 15 years) and collaborating with the Cumberland County School District on the Character Playbook (which helps students cultivate and maintain healthy relationships). The most lasting accomplishment of my tenure will undoubtedly be the United Way of Cumberland County Endowment. We invested $25,000 from our reserve account in 2004, and the investment is now valued at nearly $300,000.

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UWRA: How did you come to know UWRA?
Robert: United Way of Cumberland County has been a supporting member of UWRA since 1995. I have been a Leadership member since 2017. In 2019, I participated in the UWRA Gathering in Washington, DC, where I had the opportunity to reconnect with and meet many other members.
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UWRA: What are you looking forward to most about serving on the UWRA Board?
Robert: I am enjoying the strategic planning process, including my assignment to the Engagement committee. I also look forward to sharing our mission and vision by recruiting more UWRA members and enlisting additional support from local United Ways.