United Way of Berks County announced today that its Board of Directors has selected Sheila Tulli to serve as the organization’s next President. Tulli will succeed longtime President Tammy White upon White’s retirement in June 2027.
Tulli brings 27 years of progressive leadership experience at United Way of Berks County, where she currently serves as Senior Vice President of Resource Development and as a member of the organization’s Executive Leadership Team. She joined United Way in 1999 and has grown throughout her career into an organizational leader with responsibilities extending well beyond fundraising to strategic planning, organizational leadership, community partnerships, donor engagement and staff development.
“Selecting the next President is one of the most important responsibilities entrusted to a Board, and we approached this decision with tremendous care,” said Pete Connors, Chair of the United Way of Berks County Board of Directors. “Throughout a thoughtful succession process, Sheila demonstrated the vision, judgment, integrity and understanding of our community that we believe are essential to lead United Way into its next chapter. She knows what has made this organization successful, but she is equally clear-eyed about how philanthropy, workplaces and our community are changing. The Board has great confidence in Sheila and in the future of United Way under her leadership.”
The Board’s decision follows a leadership transition and succession process that included input from Board and staff members and an in-depth assessment of Tulli’s readiness to assume responsibility for the organization. The process evaluated the leadership qualities needed to preserve United Way’s strong community relationships, reputation and collaborative culture while positioning the organization to evolve. The committee responsible for assessing Tulli’s leadership readiness unanimously recommended her appointment.
During her tenure, Tulli helped lead annual fundraising campaigns exceeding $11 million and has played a significant role in advancing United Way’s donor engagement strategies, major and leadership giving, strategic priorities and organizational sustainability efforts. She has also provided leadership and coaching to staff, supported Board priorities, and represented United Way as a community ambassador.
Tulli is recognized for her expertise in fundraising and nonprofit leadership and has built strong relationships with donors, volunteers, corporate partners and community leaders throughout Berks County. Her professional relationships also extend through the broader United Way network. The succession committee cited her authenticity, emotional intelligence, business acumen, people-centered leadership, respect for governance and willingness to embrace change among the qualities that distinguish her leadership.
White, who will retire after 37 years with United Way of Berks County, has worked alongside Tulli throughout her career and provided an endorsement of her candidacy at the request of the Transition/Succession Planning Committee.
“I have had the privilege of watching Sheila grow from an entry-level member of our Resource Development team into a trusted executive and organizational leader,” said Tammy White, President of United Way of Berks County. “Sheila brings impeccable integrity, sound judgment and a genuine curiosity about every aspect of this organization. She is collaborative, solutions-focused and deeply invested in helping others grow and succeed. Most importantly, she understands that leadership is about stewardship and honoring the trust United Way has earned while having the courage and vision to keep moving forward. I have tremendous confidence in Sheila and could not be more pleased to see her lead United Way into its next chapter.”
As Senior Vice President of Resource Development, Tulli currently provides strategic oversight for United Way’s comprehensive resource development portfolio, including annual and digital campaigns, donor engagement, stewardship systems and performance reporting. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, she contributes to organizational strategy, operational decision-making, Board priorities, community impact initiatives, revenue growth, donor engagement modernization and organizational sustainability.
“I am deeply honored by the opportunity to serve as United Way of Berks County’s next President,” Tulli said. “United Way has been an extraordinary part of my professional life, and I have seen firsthand what is possible when people come together around a shared commitment to our community. As we look ahead, I am excited to build on that strong foundation while continuing to listen, learn and evolve so United Way remains a trusted, relevant and impactful partner for Berks County.”
Tulli earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication, with concentrations in Public Relations and Marketing, from Millersville University. Her professional development includes a Nonprofit Leadership Certification through Berks County Community Foundation and La Salle University, United Way Worldwide’s Leaders Engaged in Accelerated Development program, and a Certificate in AI for Marketing and Fundraising from Non-Profit Management for Good. She also serves as a Board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and is a founder and member of Emerging Leaders United.
The months ahead will provide an extended transition period before White’s retirement. The transition will focus on leadership continuity, relationship transfer, staff and organizational development, and positioning Tulli and the broader United Way team for success. The organization’s succession planning process intentionally provides for this transition period before Tulli formally assumes the presidency in June 2027.
“United Way enters this transition from a position of strength,” Connors added. “The Board is grateful to Tammy for giving us the time to plan thoughtfully, and we are fortunate to have a leader in Sheila who understands the organization, knows this community and is ready to help shape what comes next.”
