HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley today, May 7, 2026, announced that at the end of May, President and CEO Amanda Leech will step down from her role after 10 years of service to the organization and the community.

“These past 10 years have been such a gift,” Leech said. “From all of the passionate donors, volunteers, partners, and supporters that I’ve had the privilege to get to know, to the incredible impact of the work that I’ve gotten to see firsthand within United Way and from partner organizations in the community, I am incredibly grateful for all of it.”

Leech, a “Double Duke” graduate of James Madison University, joined United Way in 2016 as Director of Donor Engagement and ascended to the role of President and CEO in April 2022.

During her tenure, Leech reportedly helped guide United Way through a period of growth and change, strengthening its focus on supporting working households and deepening partnerships across Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and the Central Shenandoah Valley.

She also oversaw the organization’s expansion into Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro. Her leadership helped expand key programs, including the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, and launched new efforts centered on community data and listening to better understand local needs.

Leech shared her confidence in the organization’s direction in a release.

“United Way is on the right path moving into the future and has a talented team of individuals on staff as well as on the Board of Directors continuing to build the foundation for a brighter future through high impact programming like VITA and our community data and listening project that will set the stage for collective impact work down the road. I look forward to staying involved and connected in a new way.”

Leech will be staying in the area as she transitions to a new role with the nonprofit environmental organization, Appalachian Voices, in June.

The Board of Directors, with assistance from United Way Worldwide, will begin a search for the organization’s next President and CEO.