The search committee tasked with nominating the future CEO of the United Way of Greater Chattanooga unanimously will recommend Lesley Scearce, current CEO of the local nonprofit youth development organization On Point.
Scearce is a native of Chattanooga, and pending the board's approval on Wednesday she'll join the United Way as president and CEO this summer before current President Eva Dillard retires in August.
Bill Stacy, chairman of the search committee, said more than 200 applicants were considered for the position, and many were qualified.
"We hope the board will share in the excitement we have about this candidate," Stacy said. "We feel very confident that the expectation of Chattanooga will be met."
Stacy said the committee was very impressed with Scearce's leadership at On Point, and that her experience, character and professionalism made her stand out from other candidates.
"[Scearce] walks the game, talks the game, and has been in it for 15 years," Stacy said. "She knows what kind of mission the United Way has and how it fits with our community."
Lesley ScearceScearce, a graduate of Girls Preparatory School, received her bachelor's degree from the University of Richmond and her master's degree in public administration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She has been with On Point for 15 years, more than 13 of those as president and CEO.
Under her leadership, On Point's youth development efforts reach 15,000 students from 52 area schools each year and involve partnerships with 50 community agencies.
Tom Glenn, chairman of the board at the United Way, sent an email Monday to local agency executives and board leaders, saying Scearce has the needed experience and skills to lead the United Way into the next decade.
"Her ability to lead a team, work effectively with partners and supporters, drive measurable impact, build strategically and clearly communicate are some of the skills that will serve our United Way well," Glenn said in the email.
Stacy said that it will be hard for the United Way to say goodbye to such a strong leader as Dillard, but he is confident that Scearce is the right candidate to follow in her footsteps.
Contact staff writer Kendi Anderson at kendi.anderson@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6592.