Serving as the Executive Director of United Way of Midland County (UWMC) for nearly 12 years, Ann Fillmore has announced that she will be stepping down from her role effective January 31, 2019.

Tori Meyer, UWMC Board Chair and Midland County Finance Director, stated “The Board is grateful to Ann for the critical role she has played in the development and success of the organization. We will certainly miss her and her inspiring leadership. We support her decision and are happy that she and her family will remain in our community. We will always be indebted to Ann for her legacy and leadership. United Way is well positioned for future success as we move into a new season of leadership.”

“We as a community have benefited from the generosity and compassion of heart and spirit reflected in Ann Fillmore’s leadership through United Way of Midland County, added Reverend Wally Mayton, UWMC Board Member and Past Chair. “Her initiative and motivation for the well-being of the community and each individual has created and sustained new opportunities for our participation in service to increase our quality of life. We are grateful for her effective leadership and her sincere model of caring.”

Fillmore is United Way of Midland County’s third Executive Director. UWMC is a best practice organization and because of the generosity of the Midland community, it is recognized as the fifth highest per capita giving in the nation, with average giving higher than 95 percent of the United Ways in the United States.

Jerry Ladwig, Attorney Magistrate and Deputy Court Administrator, serves as the United Way of Midland County Community Investment Chair, Board Member and Past Chair. He shared, “Ann’s service to the Midland Community has been nothing short of stellar. Her leadership of United Way has made her one of the Midland community’s greatest assets. Her ability to lead, galvanize, and encourage collaboration are exemplary.” Ladwig added, “Ann’s extraordinary success comes from her ability to build true relationships. Through these relationships she has had a vital role in creating many programs that will help the people of Midland County in the years ahead. It has been a privilege to work with someone so committed to people in need.”

“It has been a privilege for me to serve the community in this capacity, Fillmore shared. “I value the friendships made and appreciate the unprecedented collaborative and giving spirit that makes Midland so unique and special. I’m very proud of all that we have accomplished together as a community.”

Through her years of leadership, United Way of Midland County has:

  • Celebrated its first $5 million campaign in its 98-year history in 2010.
  • Significantly increased philanthropic giving to United Way’s Tocqueville Society, with 111 members.
  • Transitioned from a fundraising entity to a community impact organization.
  • Launched many successful initiatives such as 211 of NE Michigan, a nationally recognized Student United Way at Northwood University, Young Leaders United, United for Success at Midland Public Schools and the Midland Formula for Success, a Midland based Employer Resource Network.
  • Recently relocated The Strosacker Center to a smaller, more sustainable location, positioning UWMC for the future.
  • Collaborated to create The Community Advancement Network in partnership with community foundations and United Ways across the Great Lakes Bay Region.
  • Collaborated to initiate and lead the Long-term Disaster Recovery Group with the 2017 flood.

“United Way exists for the sole purpose of improving the quality of life for Midland County residents,” Fillmore added. “Being a part of its history truly has been an honor.”  Following her departure, she will join Omni-Tech International, Ltd., a Midland-based consulting firm.