United Way of Greater Knoxville Prepares for New Leadership Transition as CEO Matt Ryerson Steps Down

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A New Chapter for United Way of Greater Knoxville

Change is in the air for the United Way of Greater Knoxville (UGWK) as they gear up for an exciting new chapter following the announcement that Matt Ryerson, the beloved president and CEO, is stepping down to explore new professional avenues. This announcement came on a lovely Monday, and it surely caught the attention of many within the community.

Five Years of Leadership

Ryerson took the helm of UWGK back in December 2019, and after five impactful years, he’s now moving on to new challenges. Prior to his role in Knoxville, he served as the CEO and president of United Way of the Ocoee Region for an impressive 11 years. During his time at UWGK, Ryerson was seen as a crucial bridge, following the lengthy 26-year leadership of his predecessor, Ben Landers.

Clarence Vaughn III, Chair of the UWGK Board, shared his thoughts on Ryerson’s departure, stating, “Matt served as a bridge, following Ben Landers’ 26 years of leadership in the CEO position, to where we are today. And now, we’re ready to move forward with the next chapter of this great organization with intention, innovation, and dedication.”

Welcome to the Interim CEO

Stepping into the leadership role temporarily is Chrystal Armstrong Brown, who has been appointed as the Interim CEO starting November 11. Armstrong Brown has proven to be a dedicated leader and a passionate advocate for the community. As the Chief Impact Officer since April 2023, her experience speaks volumes, having previously served as the Vice President of Program Development for the Emerald Youth Foundation and the Director of Education for the United Way of Southwest Virginia.

Vaughn shared his enthusiasm for Armstrong Brown’s new role, saying, “Chrystal is a proven leader with a passion for community, vision for transformational innovation, and commitment to measurable and meaningful impact.” The board is excited about her stepping into this position and providing the necessary stability and servant leadership during this transition period.

Ready for Transformation

With all these changes, what does the future hold for United Way? Armstrong Brown has her sights set on evolving the organization to ensure impactful work continues. “The United Way is evolving, and we must continue to transform to make the most meaningful and enduring impact through our work,” she shared enthusiastically. “But, at the heart of everything we do, we continue to unite people and resources.”

That’s right, it seems the spirit of teamwork runs deep within UWGK as Armstrong Brown emphasizes, “It’s in our name; it’s in our DNA; it’s in our servant hearts. We are stronger together.” With such a steadfast commitment to unity and community, it’s likely the organization will continue to thrive and adapt.

Future Leadership

While Armstrong Brown takes on her interim role, the UWGK Board of Directors is already on the case of finding and appointing a permanent CEO. It’s an exciting time for the organization, as they stand on the cusp of a new era.

In a world where community-driven efforts are desperately needed, United Way of Greater Knoxville is ready to embrace the future with hope and determination. This is definitely a story to watch as they embark on this important transition. Stay tuned, Knoxville, good things are on the horizon!