The United Way has made Black History.
According to WDRB TV, Adria Johnson — a native of Louisville, KY — has been announced as the first Black woman to serve as the CEO of the non-profit organization. Johnson will serve as the CEO for the Metro division of the non-profit, which services the Kentuckiana area.
Johnson will take over the role starting Aug. 1. The non-profit announced that they hired Johnson “following an extensive search,” according to a statement. Johnson will take the place of Theresa Reno-Weber, who announced that she was stepping down from her role after four years.
“If we’ve learned anything the past 16 months weathering dual pandemics, we know there is a lot of work to do locally to unite our community and region and improve the lives of those that call Greater Louisville home,” Johnson said in a press release statement. “I’m humbled I was selected to lead one of the most respected and impactful community change organizations not only in our community but in the entire country. When I told my dad the news he responded with, ‘go make Louisville better’ and that’s what I intend to do.”
Prior to serving as the CEO, Johnson served as the chief impact officer for the United Way. In that role, Johnson “had strategic and operational responsibility for developing and implementing programming and investment.” Before her time with the United Way, Johnson was in politics, serving under Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin’s administration.
But Johnson made headlines when she abruptly resigned from her role as the top social services official in the state. At the time of her resignation, Johnson said she faced sexual harassment and discrimination from the top officials in government. Ultimately, Johnson didn’t pursue the claim, and government officials denied that there was any wrongdoing on their part.
Congratulations are in order for Adria Johnson for, again, making Black history!
