United Way CEO plans to retire
United Way of Chester County President and CEO Claudia Hellebush has announced she will retire at the end of this year after working for the community mobilizing organization for 23 years and serving as its president and CEO for the past 15 years.
Under Hellebush’s leadership, United Way of Chester County in Exton transitioned from a traditional fundraising operation to
a full-service, community development organization with a network of services and initiatives addressing the areas of education, financial independence and health.
Hellebush was instrumental in the creation of the United Way Volunteer Center, Leadership Chester County Board Training Program, Early Education Initiatives and the United Way Financial Stability Center. She served for three years as the chairwoman of the United Ways of the Delaware Valley, a consortium of 13 United Ways with combined annual fundraising of $110 million. She serves on numerous community boards and she is currently the vice chairwoman of the Board of Directors at Citadel.
Hellebush began her career at Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of Chester County, a youth-serving organization known for its positive outcomes for children and their families. She served as the executive director for 15 years.
Hellebush received the March of Dimes’ Woman of Achievement Award for Public Service in 2009. Under Claudia’s leadership in 2016, United Way of Chester County received the NonProfit of the Year Award from the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry.
Claudia was recognized this year by the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) with the Chester County Hall of Fame Award in recognition of her outstanding endeavors and achievements in support of Chester County. A national search has begun to find her replacement.