United Way for Greater Austin, United Way of Williamson County finalize merger

A merger between United Way for Greater Austin and United Way of Williamson County was finalized Jan. 1, according to a representative with the nonprofit. Together, the joint organization will provide services to 10 Central Texas counties.

The expanded organization will continue under the name United Way for Greater Austin, and David C. Smith will remain its CEO. Smith said in Jan. 3 announcement that as the lines between Travis and Williamson counties become more blended, a merger made sense.

“For our communities' biggest challenges, more and more people are finding regional solutions optimal," Smith said in the release. "This merger will help us better and more efficiently serve our regional community while expanding and deepening our impact for our neighbors who are working hard but still struggling to make ends meet."

United Way for Greater Austin works to fight poverty in the area by promoting education, health and financial stability. With the merger, the organization said it will be able to "upgrade, update and strengthen" its programs.

In an email, the organization said all funds donated in Williamson County will be used to promote United Way for Greater Austin's mission in the Williamson County area.

“Integrating the services and expertise of our two organizations will help us better and more efficiently serve our community, both in Williamson County and the region,” said Jodee O’Brien, former CEO of United Way of Williamson County, who will remain with the expanded organization in an advisory role for six months. “This is an exciting growth opportunity for us both.”

The merger was first explored in 2019, according to the release. In August, the two nonprofits signed an intent-to-merge contract. www.unitedwayaustin.org