Community champion to lead United Way Winnipeg
as new President and CEO
United Way Winnipeg’s volunteer Board of Trustees is proud to announce Michael Richardson will lead the organization as President and CEO.
United Way Winnipeg’s incoming President and CEO is a passionate believer in Winnipeg who has dedicated his career to protecting and advocating for vulnerable young people and families.
With the retirement of current President and CEO, Connie Walker announced last fall, United Way Winnipeg’s Board of Trustees formed a Selection Committee representing a diverse cross-section of our community to conduct an extensive, wide-ranging search for a new leader.
“Our job was to find a leader who can bring Winnipeggers together who are passionate about making a difference in our community,” said Paul Norris, Chair of United Way Winnipeg’s Board of Trustees. “Michael Richardson is absolutely the right person for this important role.”
Norris went on to say that Richardson is an optimistic, positive, transformational leader who trusts in the foundation and philosophy of United Way Winnipeg.
“He genuinely cares for people and this community—and that has been evident throughout his entire career. He also really understands United Way Winnipeg’s work and the issues that our community is facing. He is all about giving back and supporting others.”
“My purpose is to lead by example and support change where needed,” said Richardson. “I want to make a difference and create a community where everyone has opportunities, where there is inclusion, and where people feel a sense of belonging.”
Richardson is coming home to Winnipeg after spending five years in Ontario, where he most recently was the Director of Child Welfare Operations for the Ontario Ministry of Children and Community Services.
Richardson brings both a wealth of professional social services experience and a devoted personal passion for children and families to his new position at United Way Winnipeg. His career path is motivated by his experience growing up in a low-income family.
Richardson’s grandparents were avid volunteers at pancake breakfasts and soup kitchens, and they instilled in Richardson a deeply rooted sense of community and shared responsibility.
He discovered a talent for football in his teens and spent a year with the NFL’s New York Giants before being signed by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football Club in 1992. During his time as a professional athlete, Richardson organized and raised funds to support youth football and inner-city youth.
He transitioned from sports into the social services sector in 1999 and worked for several social services agencies, including as a senior manager at United Way Winnipeg donor-supported agency partners Marymound and Ka Ni Kanichihk.
Richardson and his wife, Jennifer, raised their five children in Winnipeg before moving to Ontario five years ago. Richardson said he is both humbled and thrilled to make an impact in the community he loves and calls home. He’s committed to inspiring Winnipeggers to work together in building a city where everyone is cared for, supported, and valued.
“What an opportunity to be a part of changing lives and building community.”
Richardson will begin his role as President and CEO on May 15, 2023.
