United Way of York County Names Emily Seitz, PhD, President & CEO

York, Pa. — United Way of York County today announced Emily Seitz, PhD, as its next President & CEO, beginning Sept. 8. 

Seitz succeeds Brian Grimm, whose final day with United Way will be Sept. 4. She will lead the organization as it works alongside donors, businesses and community partners to help more York County households achieve financial stability. 

“Emily brings a deep commitment to this community, a collaborative approach to leadership and a clear understanding of where United Way can make the greatest difference,” said Jules Tolbert, chair of the United Way of York County Board of Directors’ Search Committee. “She understands both the strength of what has been built and the opportunity ahead. We are confident in her ability to bring people together and lead this organization into its next chapter.”

Seitz was selected following a comprehensive national search that included experienced leaders from across the country. Her knowledge of United Way and York County, coupled with her vision for the organization’s future, distinguished her throughout the process.

A York native, Seitz attended Dallastown Area School District and York College of Pennsylvania before leaving the area to attend graduate school at Penn State. She later returned to York County, where she is now raising her family.

As President & CEO, Seitz plans to build on the organization’s existing strengths while positioning it for sustainable growth in service of its mission of assisting more York County households achieve financial stability. Her priorities include strengthening financial and operational discipline, deepening key donor and community relationships, and broadening the approach to individual, corporate and institutional philanthropy.

“Too many people in York County are working incredibly hard and still can’t make ends meet,” Seitz said. “That’s the job in front of us, and I’m ready to get to work. United Way of York County has a strong team, trusted community relationships and real progress to build on. Now we need to bring new funding into York County, advocate for the resources our community deserves and make sure every dollar is connected to where it can have the greatest impact. I’m determined to build on what’s working and find new ways to help more families achieve financial stability.”

“Emily brings a clear perspective on where United Way of York County can go next and the discipline required to get there,” said John Eyster, chair of the United Way of York County Board of Directors. “The board believes her approach will help the organization engage more people in its mission and deliver even greater impact for York County.”

Seitz and the Board of Directors also expressed gratitude to Grimm for his leadership and contributions to United Way. Grimm will continue working with Seitz and the board to support the leadership transition.

About United Way of York County
For 100 years, United Way of York County has worked in the York County community to improve people's lives. It began as The York Welfare Federation, an organization that raised funds on behalf of 17 member agencies. Today, as United Way of York County, the mission remains the same, but the strategies have evolved in order to meet the growing and changing needs of people living in our York community.

In 2022, United Way of York County announced a three-year plan to transform its community impact to an issue-focused model, concentrating future efforts on the issue of working households struggling to cover basic living expenses. Approximately one in four York County households earn more than the federal poverty level but do not earn enough to pay for basic needs. United Way of York County's goal is to help bridge the gap for thousands of financially struggling, working families through short-term support while also building pathways to self-sufficiency. United Way of York County’s goal is to assist hardworking households on their journey toward financial stability.