After more than a decade of transformative leadership, United Way of Central Georgia (UWCG) President and CEO George McCanless announced yesterday that he will retire at the end of 2025.

Since stepping into the role in 2013, McCanless has been the driving force behind United Way of Central Georgia’s evolution from a traditional fundraising organization into a dynamic, community impact leader. Under his tenure, UWCG has embraced a bold, solutions-driven model focused on addressing the root causes of challenges facing Central Georgia families.

Among his many achievements, McCanless launched several key initiatives that have had lasting impacts across the region:

• Read United has helped more than 6,000 kindergarten through third-grade students strengthen their reading skills, setting a critical foundation for future academic success.

• Parents as Teachers has assisted over 1,000 families with early childhood development support, including providing young children with books through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program.

• First Steps has screened and supported thousands of new mothers with vital information and resources to promote healthy starts for newborns.

• UWCG partnered with Mayor Lester Miller and Macon-Bibb County to assume oversight of the Brookdale Resource Center, which provides temporary shelter and support services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

McCanless was also a key driver in bringing the groundbreaking ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) framework to Georgia, helping communities across the state better understand and support working families struggling to make ends meet.

During McCanless’ tenure, UWCG raised over $70 million to support its mission of improving lives across the region. Even more significantly, the organization more than doubled its annual revenue, a testament to the bold strategies and expanded impact approach he championed.

Reflecting on his time with United Way, McCanless shared,

"I’ve never measured our success by the dollars we raised, but by the lives we’ve touched. United Way programs impact nearly one-third of all residents in Central Georgia. It's deeply humbling and fulfilling to know we’ve made a real difference for so many families. That’s what I will carry with me long after I step away from this role."

McCanless expressed deep gratitude to the United Way staff, board, and community partners for their unwavering commitment and support over the years.

"None of this happens because of one person. It’s the result of a passionate, mission-driven team and a community that believes in lifting each other up. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together, and I’m confident that United Way of Central Georgia’s best days are still ahead."

UWCG Board Chair Ron Weigle praised McCanless’ leadership, stating,

"George’s vision, energy, and heart have left an indelible mark on United Way and the entire Central Georgia region. We are grateful for his service and will be working closely with him over the coming months to ensure a smooth leadership transition."

United Way of Central Georgia will soon announce plans for the search process to identify its next President and CEO.