As local non-profits and civic organizations face an evolving landscape of corporate governance and community need, United Way of Cumberland County (UWCC) has delivered another cohort of board-ready talent to the region.

The organization recently celebrated the graduation of 27 community volunteer leaders from its 2026 Leadership Development Program. The milestone graduation marks exactly 20 years since the tuition-free community initiative was launched to build a robust pipeline of skilled oversight for Cumberland County’s social sector.

A Two-Decade Legacy of Civic Governance

Since its inception in 2004, the program has acted as a critical workforce development engine for the civic sector, graduating more than 500 volunteer leaders.

The long-term economic and operational impact of the initiative on the region is substantial:

• 500+ Total graduates since 2004.
• 400+ Active alumni currently serving on local nonprofit and civic boards, committees, and commissions.
• Executive Impact: Multiple alumni have transitioned into executive director roles within the regional nonprofit ecosystem.

"The Leadership Development Program continues to strengthen our community by preparing dedicated volunteers to lead with purpose and serve with impact," said Scott Embry, Executive Director of United Way of Cumberland County. "As we celebrate 20 years of this program, we are proud of the hundreds of graduates who continue to make a lasting difference throughout Cumberland County."

Rigorous Multi-Week Curriculum for Modern Board Service

Modern nonprofit board service demands a high level of professional acumen, extending far beyond casual volunteerism. To meet these standards, the 2026 cohort completed an intensive, five-week curriculum. Each two-hour weekly module was facilitated by established regional business and community leaders.

The executive-level training focused on five core pillars of organizational management:

1. Organizational Leadership & Team Building
2. Fiduciary and Legal Responsibilities of Board Members
3. Nonprofit Marketing, Communications, and Social Media Strategy
4. The Modern Responsibilities of Civic Volunteerism
5. Grant Development, Sourcing, and Research

The Call to Servant Leadership

The graduation ceremony featured a keynote address from Dr. Stephon Ferguson, an alumnus of the program’s 2005 class. Dr. Ferguson challenged the new graduates to marry practical corporate governance with a mindset of humility and compassion.

Quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ferguson reminded the cohort: "Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."

Looking Forward: The Third Decade

As the program enters its third decade, the local nonprofit sector continues to look to United Way of Cumberland County as a primary source for vetted, highly trained board talent. By equipping corporate and civic professionals with fiscal and operational non-profit training, UWCC continues to systematically improve the operational stability of local partner agencies.

About United Way of Cumberland County

United Way of Cumberland County mobilizes the caring power of the community to improve lives by investing in programs and partnerships that advance education, health, financial stability, and critical basic needs. Through volunteer engagement, community leadership, and strategic investments, United Way works to build a stronger, more resilient Cumberland County for all.