Potomac Highlands United Way (PHUW) has announced that Executive Director Michele Walker will retire effective December 31, 2026, concluding an extraordinary 38 years of combined service to the organization and the communities it serves.
Walker’s nearly four decades with PHUW reflect a remarkable commitment to the United Way mission and the people of the Potomac Highlands. Throughout her career, she has helped the organization respond to changing community needs, build lasting partnerships, mobilize volunteers and resources, and strengthen its presence across the region.
During Walker’s tenure as Executive Director, PHUW expanded its regional identity and strengthened its role as a convener, connector, and catalyst across Allegany and Garrett counties in Maryland and Hampshire and Mineral counties in West Virginia. Her leadership helped guide the organization’s transition from County United Way to Potomac Highlands United Way, reflecting its broader commitment to serving the entire four-county region.
Under Walker’s leadership, PHUW has continued longstanding initiatives such as the Day of Caring & Sharing and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Allegany County while developing new approaches to meet emerging community needs. These efforts include greater awareness and advocacy surrounding ALICE households—those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—as well as the creation of the ALICE Crisis Diversion Fund, Meeting the Moment Grants, and the Everyday Essentials Hygiene Hub.
“Michele’s 38 years of service represent an extraordinary legacy of commitment to Potomac Highlands United Way and our region,” said Corey Edmonds, Chair of the PHUW Board of Directors. “Generations of donors, volunteers, community partners, and families have been touched by the work she has helped lead. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our sincere gratitude for her leadership, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to our mission.”
Walker will remain in her position through the end of the year, working with the Board of Directors and staff to support an orderly leadership transition.
“Serving Potomac Highlands United Way and the communities of this region has been an incredible privilege,” Walker said. “I am deeply grateful to the staff, board members, donors, volunteers, businesses, nonprofit partners, and community leaders who have worked alongside us throughout the years. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that PHUW will continue building partnerships and creating meaningful change throughout the Potomac Highlands.”
The PHUW Board of Directors has begun a formal process to identify the organization’s next Executive Director. Additional information regarding the position and application process will be released as it becomes available.
“While this transition marks the conclusion of an exceptional chapter for PHUW, our mission and commitment to the region remain strong,” Edmonds added. “The Board is approaching this process thoughtfully and with a clear focus on identifying a leader who will honor the foundation Michele helped build while guiding PHUW toward a strong and sustainable future.”
PHUW will share additional opportunities in the coming months for community partners, volunteers, and supporters to recognize Walker and celebrate her 38 years of service.
