Mac Bennett announces retirement as United Way of the Midlands President and CEO

United Way’s President and CEO, Mac Bennett, today announced his retirement after 12 years with the organization, effective June 30, 2017.

“Mac is a humble, servant leader who is always eager to share credit for his accomplishments with staff and volunteers,” said Holt Chetwood, United Way Board Chair and Wells Fargo Midlands Market President. “During his time at United Way, Mac has had a tremendous impact on the community and the organization. He is leaving United Way in even better condition than when he arrived, with a strong financial position and an effective board and staff in place.”

Under Bennett’s leadership, United Way has experienced continued growth in the many functions it serves including:

• Transitioning to its current Community Impact Model, allowing the organization to more effectively and efficiently address the Midlands’ most immediate needs.
• Forming the Midlands Housing Alliance in partnership with the faith and business communities, which led to the creation of Transitions – the city’s first emergency shelter for homeless individuals.
• Forming the Young Leaders Society, United Way’s affinity group for donors age 21 – 40 aimed to cultivate the next generation of donors, which currently boasts nearly 500 donors.
• Helped create Mission – a two-day medical mission for uninsured and underinsured individuals – along with BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation, Lexington Medical Center, Palmetto Health, Providence Health, South Carolina Hospital Association and South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association.
• Created the Midlands Health Collaborative – now WellPartners Dental and Eye Clinics – a partnership with BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation, Lexington Medical Center, Lexington County, Palmetto Health, Providence Health and Richland County. The clinics, located in Richland and Lexington counties, served 3,478 individuals in the last year.
• Expanding partnerships with local government to include contracting with the City of Columbia to oversee the Inclement Weather Center.
• Relocating the organization to its new headquarters at 1818 Blanding Street.

“Serving as President and CEO of United Way has been a privilege that I will always cherish,” said Bennett. “It has been an honor to serve my community and work with staff and volunteers who are truly passionate about making the Midlands a better place to live for everyone. I’m proud of all that we have accomplished together.”