The United Way of Central Georgia (UWCG) Board of Directors has announced that current Chief Operating Officer Carl Tims will succeed George McCanless as President & CEO, effective January 1, 2026.

McCanless, who has served as CEO since 2013, will retire at the end of this year after 13 years of leadership that transformed UWCG into a strategic, community impact–driven organization.

During his tenure, UWCG launched several cornerstone initiatives, beginning with Read United, the organization’s first major community impact initiative designed to improve 3rd grade reading scores. Under McCanless’ leadership, United Way also added Parents as Teachers, First Steps, and Community Schools United, and partnered with Macon-Bibb County to create the Brookdale Resource Center for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Most recently, UWCG adopted the ALICE framework, setting a bold goal to help 10,000 families achieve financial stability within the next decade.

“Serving as President & CEO of United Way of Central Georgia has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said George McCanless. “Over the past 13 years, I’ve been proud to work alongside so many dedicated staff, board members, donors, and community partners to launch initiatives that are truly changing lives. From Read United to Brookdale to our adoption of the ALICE framework, together we’ve built a foundation that will continue to shape Central Georgia for years to come. I have every confidence that Carl is the right leader to take United Way forward and to lead this next exciting chapter.”

Board Chair Roy Bibb, President, MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union, praised McCanless for his years of service and expressed confidence in Tims’ leadership.

“George’s leadership over the last 13 years has transformed United Way of Central Georgia into a forward-looking, impact-focused organization,” Bibb said. “His vision and drive have left a lasting legacy in our community. The Board conducted a national search and interviewed many outstanding candidates, and it became clear that Carl’s experience, leadership, and vision made him the right person to guide UWCG into the future. In his nearly two years as COO, Carl has been instrumental in advancing our critical education initiatives and leading the development of our new five-year strategic plan. The Board is confident that Carl will continue to build on George’s successes and position UWCG for even greater impact.”

Tims, who joined UWCG as COO in November, 2023, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and excitement for the road ahead.

“I am honored and humbled to be entrusted with this role,” said Carl Tims. “George has set a remarkable example of servant leadership, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation he has established. With our dedicated staff, committed board, and generous supporters, we will continue to tackle the challenges facing ALICE families, expand our impact initiatives, and ensure that every family in Central Georgia has the opportunity to thrive.”

The leadership transition will take effect on January 1, 2026. McCanless and Tims will work closely with the Board over the remainder of 2025 to ensure a smooth handoff.