United Way of Champaign County is proud to announce the appointment of Beverley Baker as its next President & CEO. Baker, a long-time leader in the organization and dedicated advocate for families and children, will officially step into the role while working alongside current President & CEO, Sue Grey, who will retire in March 2026. This period of overlap will allow for a smooth transition and continued collaboration to advance United Way’s mission.
Baker has been a member of the United Way team since 2007, bringing decades of expertise in early childhood education, grant management, and collaborative community partnerships. She has dedicated her career to problem-solving alongside community partners, elected officials, residents, and volunteers to address the most pressing challenges facing Champaign County.
A summa cum laude graduate of St. Ambrose University with a degree in Elementary Education, Baker also holds minors in Psychology and Early Childhood Education, with additional coursework in leadership and human resource management. Her career includes 15 years as an early childhood educator and child care center director, as well as 17 years in grant management.
Her leadership and impact have been recognized with numerous awards, including Central Illinois Business Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Woman of the Year, WILL’s Children’s Champion Award, and the Junior League’s Living Legendary Award. Beyond her professional work, she is a dedicated community volunteer serving on several boards and committees. Beverley and her husband Dan are the proud parents of two sons, Grant and Cameron.
Lisa Rector, United Way Board President, shared her excitement about the transition:
“We are thrilled to welcome Beverley as the next President & CEO of United Way of Champaign County. Her deep knowledge of our community, long history of collaborative leadership, and passion for problem-solving make her the ideal leader to guide us into our next chapter.”
Sue Grey, President & CEO, reflected on the transition:
“I have had the privilege of working alongside Beverley for nearly my entire time at United Way. Her dedication to families, her leadership skills, and her heart for this community are unmatched. With my retirement planned for March 2026, I’m excited we’ll have this period of overlap to continue working together to strengthen Champaign County. I know United Way is in excellent hands under her guidance.”
Baker expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity:
“Leading United Way of Champaign County has been a dream of mine. I love this community, and I am honored to continue serving it in this new role. I look forward to working with our incredible staff, volunteers, supporters and partners to build a stronger, more resilient Champaign County for every family.”
United Way of Champaign County is grateful for Sue Grey’s many years of leadership and impact, and welcomes Beverley Baker as she steps into this role to continue advancing the mission of uniting people and resources to create positive, lasting change.