At its brand refresh launch party, United Way West Tennessee recognized new additions to its executive leadership team as the organization continues to grow and expand its impact across the region. Lauren Kirk has been selected as United Way’s new Executive Vice President of Community Impact and Melissa Cox-Brown will serve as the Executive Director for the recently announced Ford Community Center in Stanton, Tennessee.
As the Executive Vice President of Community Impact, Kirk will guide United Way's efforts to address community needs, promote equitable outcomes, and maximize the impact of local resources through its grant making process and programs. Kirk holds both a Master of Social Work and a Master of City and Regional Planning. In April 2024, she received the Jackson Area Business and Professional Women Sterling Award: Most Influential Women in West Tennessee. She is also actively involved in numerous community outreach initiatives, such as the Jackson-Madison County Equity Project, Habitat for Humanity Jackson, and the Hope and Healing Foundation Fund Advisory Council.
“After spending the last five years closely collaborating with the team at United Way in my role at the City of Jackson, I am excited to continue those relationships to serve the broader West Tennessee region,” Kirk said. “I firmly believe in United Way's mission to mobilize communities to action so all can thrive, and I look forward to supporting a collaborative vision for a growing and thriving West Tennessee.”
After Ford announced the development of BlueOval City in West Tennessee, the company’s charitable arm, Ford Philanthropy, chose United Way as its anchor partner to help lead the coordination of services in the area through the recently announced Ford Community Center (FCC). Melissa Cox-Brown will lead this work as the Executive Director for the FCC, and in her role, she will focus on transitioning operations to permanence, fostering community partnerships, and driving socioeconomic mobility for those living in the BlueOval Impact Zone, the 20 mile radius surrounding BlueOval City.
“I’m thrilled and deeply honored to join United Way West Tennessee as the new Executive Director of the Ford Community Center,” said Cox-Brown. “This opportunity allows me to contribute to a dynamic initiative aimed at empowering and uplifting our community. I am excited to collaborate with local leaders, partners, and residents to create a space that fosters growth, connection, and opportunity for all. Together, we can make a lasting impact, building a brighter future for West Tennessee."
“Cox-Brown brings a wealth of experience in business development, economic growth, and organizational management,” said Hassan Hammoud, Senior Manager of Essential Services at Ford Philanthropy. “Her executive leadership and work at the Crockett County Chamber of Commerce and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development align with the strategic planning and community engagement required to successfully lead the Ford Community Center.”
Additionally, Mark Cancia, Director of School & Community Engagement at United Way, was recently selected to participate in United Way Worldwide’s (UWW) Next Generation Leadership program. This two-year program will begin in January 2025 and consist of bi-weekly online sessions with United Way leaders from across the globe. Participants will be tasked with addressing a societal issue as their leadership project.
“I’m honored to join United Way’s Next-Generation Leadership program" said Cancia. This opportunity is both a milestone in my professional career and an exciting chance to collaborate with other emerging leaders as we work to make a positive impact in our communities. I look forward to bringing new insights and energy back to United Way and further supporting our work across the region.
Matt Marshall, United Way’s President and CEO had this to say regarding these exciting staff developments, “At United Way West Tennessee, we are constantly seeking opportunities to strengthen our leadership and deepen our impact in the communities we serve, and the addition of new executive leadership in Lauren and Melissa, as well as Mark's acceptance into the Next-Generation Leadership program, reflect our unwavering commitment to innovation and growth. These milestones will empower us to better address the needs of our region and create pathways to a brighter future for everyone.”
