One of Dallas' most high-profile nonprofit leaders is making a big move. Jennifer Sampson, the longtime head of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, announced Thursday that she will step down later this year to become the inaugural CEO of the Stephens Greth Foundation. Sampson, who has served as United Way's McDermott-Templeton president and CEO for 15 years and has worked with the charity for about 25 years, will stay in the top job through September 30 while a successor is chosen. Her exit marks the close of a quarter-century run that coincided with major fundraising gains and expanded programs for the organization.
Official announcement and timeline
In a post on the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas website, the organization said Sampson will remain through September 30 to provide continuity and strategic direction while the board conducts a CEO search. In a personal message on the group's site, Sampson wrote, "United Way of Metropolitan Dallas will always be one of the great loves of my life," and pledged that she would "be fully engaged through September 30." In a March 26 announcement the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas laid out the transition details and shared a letter from the board.
What she built at United Way
During Sampson's tenure, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas shifted to a more data-driven, outcomes-focused model and deepened its relationships with corporate partners and civic leaders. The Dallas Morning News reported that she helped secure more than $1 billion in philanthropic resources, completed the $100 million Unite Forever endowment campaign years ahead of schedule and launched the "Greater Than" $800 million second-century campaign. The Dallas Morning News highlighted those milestones while covering the leadership change.
Reactions from local leaders
Business and nonprofit leaders quickly lined up to credit Sampson with reshaping United Way's strategy and firming up its balance sheet. "Jennifer has been a visionary leader for our region," Antonio Carrillo, chair of the United Way board, said in comments reported by The Dallas Morning News, while other board leaders said she is leaving the organization "in the strongest financial position in its history." The Dallas Morning News published those statements from board members reacting to the news.
What’s next: The Stephens Greth Foundation
Next up for Sampson is the inaugural CEO role at The Stephens Greth Foundation, a philanthropic vehicle that has already put serious money behind local projects. The foundation served as a lead donor to the SPCA of Texas' recent "Care Unleashed" campus campaign. The SPCA has described the reimagined site as The Stephens Greth Foundation Campus and listed an $8 million gift from the foundation among its transformational donations, a sign of the scale of resources Sampson will oversee in her new position. SPCA of Texas materials outline the campaign and the foundation's role.
