Michael K. Durkin

As President and CEO, Michael K. Durkin provides the leadership and strategic direction that drives United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley toward achieving its vision, mission, and long-term goals for the community. He works closely with the Board of Directors, United Way staff and the community to advance the organization’s work to make this region the best place for children and families in the country.

Michael comes to United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley from Mile High United Way in Denver, Colorado where he coordinated the collective strength of more than 50,000 individual donors, 800 local businesses, 100 non-profit partners, United Way Board of Trustees and its staff to deliver long-term solutions for individuals and families in metro Denver. He created the vision and five-year $250 million plan that transformed Mile High United Way into an organization focused on generating a deeper impact through three core areas: school readiness, youth success and financial stability for working families.

Michael has more than 30 years of United Way experience. Prior to joining Mile High United Way, he served as COO and Executive Vice President for United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. His United Way experience also includes senior management positions in the following communities: Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Lawrence, Massachusetts; Boulder, Colorado; and Columbia, South Carolina. Sparking a long career of serving the community, Michael entered the United Way system as a Kellogg Fellow and an intern for United Way of America in Alexandria, Virginia.

He currently serves as Chair of United Way of America’s National Professional Council. He graduated, cum laude, from Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Michael and his wife, Ann Bersani, have three children.