United Way of North Carolina Names Brittany Pruitt Fletcher as New President and CEO

August 30, 2022 - United Way of North Carolina (UWNC) announced today that Brittany Pruitt Fletcher has been named the next President and CEO, effective October 3, 2022. She will succeed Laura Zink Marx, who retires on September 9, after eight years as President and CEO.

Pruitt Fletcher comes to UWNC with fifteen years of nonprofit management experience and expertise in fundraising and community impact. Her career started with Big Brothers Big Sisters Services in Winston-Salem, where she worked in various roles and helped the organization increase the number of children that they were able to serve through one-to-one mentorship.

She is currently the Chief of Staff at United Way of Forsyth County, which supports more than 60 local programs and raises over $14 million annually. Prior to her role in Forsyth County, she spent five years as the President and CEO at United Way of Davidson County. Under her leadership, the organization implemented a new strategic direction and invested over $1 million each year into defined community needs.

“I believe wholeheartedly in United Way’s mission to bridge people, local United Ways, and resources, so individuals, families, and communities thrive in North Carolina,” says Pruitt Fletcher. “My career has been driven by a commitment to public service and a desire to live in a society where everyone can thrive. I look forward to working with the board, staff, local United Ways, and partners to advance our statewide impact and pursue our shared goals.”

Pruitt Fletcher holds a Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University. She previously served on the UWNC Board of Directors for three years and is currently on the NC 211 Advancement Committee.

“Throughout my tenure as a board member, I saw first-hand the positive influence UWNC can have,” says Pruitt Fletcher. “The organization is uniquely positioned to affect community change, and I look forward to building on the history, strength, and service of the organization to support the emerging needs of our state.”

In June, UWNC’s search committee began working with the nonprofit consulting firm, moss+ross, to conduct a three-month national search for a new President and CEO. After several rounds of interviews, in-person meetings, and presentations, the UWNC Board of Directors approved Pruitt Fletcher to serve in this important role.

“We were looking for a leader who would continue to propel the organization forward and offer strong direction for our network,” says Jeff Johnson, UWNC Board Chair. “Brittany’s background and qualifications aligned with our vision, and we are confident she will do an incredible job leading the organization.”

Heather Black, who was recently promoted to Vice President of UWNC, will act as the interim President and CEO while awaiting Pruitt Fletcher’s onboarding in October. Black has been with the organization since 2015, previously serving as the NC 211 State Director.

Johnson states, “The Board of Directors would like to thank Laura Zink Marx for her extraordinary leadership over the last eight years and extend our heartfelt congratulations as she enjoys a well-deserved retirement.”