United Way Miami chief Maria Alonso stepping down after four years on the job
Maria C. Alonso, president and CEO of United Way Miami, on Tuesday morning announced that she is stepping down from her position after more than four years on the job.
Alonso informed the nonprofit organization’s board of directors of her coming departure, the United Way Miami told the Miami Herald. As a search committee launches a national search, Board Member Joe Zubizarreta will takeover duties as interim CEO.
“We are thankful for Maria’s service and we are set to continue a seamless transition,” the organization told the Herald.
The United Way serves as a funder and service provider for community organizations and people in need. For example, the organization recently hosted its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive on Saturday with the help of local and national sponsors.
As president, Alonso was responsible for spearheading the organization’s strategy, operations and finances — including securing grants and philanthropic gifts — along with working to prioritize programs and services funded with United Way money.
“I am proud of the work our team has done to meet our community’s complex needs,” Alonso said in a release. “And I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have served our community and our United Way.”
Alonso was hired for the role in 2017, taking over for then-longtime president Harve Mogul, who served for nearly 26 years.
During her time, the United Way has given aid and support during the COVID-19 pandemic, the collapse of Champlain Towers South, the Haiti earthquake that killed over 1,000 people, and several hurricanes in the Caribbean.
“We thank Maria for her service and appreciate all she has done for the organization,” Board Chair Robert E. Sanchez, CEO of Ryder System, said. “She is leaving United Way Miami in strong financial footing thanks to successful community campaigns and a transformational gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.”
Zubizarreta is a longtime board member and CEO of Zubi Advertising, one of the largest Hispanic advertising agencies in the U.S., the United Way said. He served as an adviser to the Florida International University CasaCuba campaign and is a member of the University of Florida College of Journalism Hall of Fame.
“Zubizarreta’s commitment to United Way is embedded in his DNA; his mother Tere was a longtime supporter and leader in the organization,” the organization said.
This story was originally published November 16, 2021 at 5:48 PM.
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