United Way of Lancaster CEO to head health conversion foundation

The president and CEO of United Way of Lancaster County is leaving at the end of June to lead the Alliance for Health Equity in Coatesville. 

Kevin Ressler, who became CEO in January 2020, was identified after a nationwide search for Alliance’s CEO position and will be responsible for focusing on racial equity through the perspectives of Social Determinants of Health in Chester County, among other needs. Ressler will succeed interim President and CEO Nicholas Torres.  

The Alliance for Health Equity was created in 2001 as a health conversion foundation (HCF). HCF’s are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing the charitable work of a community hospital, such as the Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville, after it is sold to a for profit hospital system. 

“I am humbled and honored to have had the opportunity to lead United Way of Lancaster County during one of its most critical times through its nearly 100-year history,” said Ressler.  

“Joining the organization three months before the COVID-19 shut down meant immediately pivoting from the long-range strategic goals of the organization to the kind of crisis response United Way has been known for worldwide beyond any of our living memories, Ressler said. “This organization is seen as a shining star in the movement and as a lifelong Lancastrian, there are few honors higher than holding this position.” 

 During his tenure at United Way, Ressler helped lead the organization into many new projects and initiatives such as Project SOS, a mutual aid effort involving COVID-19 stimulus check sharing; the Level Up & Launch community empowerment grants; and the recently revamped Project Blueprint, a training program which aims to create more equitable and inclusive organizational boards, United Way said.   

Ressler was also instrumental in creating One United Lancaster, United Way’s affiliated news website, which has won three Pennsylvania NewsMedia Awards, one by Kevin himself, and recently celebrated three years of publication.  

 “While we are saddened to see Kevin go, we are grateful for the dedicated service and leadership he has provided to our organization and the Lancaster County community,” said Steve Nieli, chair of the board of United Way.“ 

The United Way of Lancaster County board of directors have hired TriStarr Staffing, to assist in the search for Ressler’s successor.