United Way of Greater Kansas City’s Board of Trustees is delighted to announce the selection of the organization’s next leader.
After a rigorous process including a diverse candidate pool of approximately 200 applicants from around the nation, the United Way’s Board of Trustees has chosen Patrick Sallee to lead the organization as President and CEO. Sallee brings an impressive skillset, with nearly two decades of leadership in Kansas City’s philanthropic sector.
“Patrick has a proven track record in the nonprofit space and is eager to listen, collaborate and help us continue to grow,” said United Way of Greater Kansas City Board Chair Dana Jermain. “We’re excited for him to lead us in making an even greater impact in our community.”
Sallee comes to United Way after nearly nine years as President & CEO of Vibrant Health, a United Way Impact 100 partner. During his tenure at the Federally Qualified Health Center, he greatly expanded services, quadrupling the number of patients served each year with a more than tenfold increase in annual budget. His nonprofit leadership experience has also included senior roles at Samuel U. Rodgers, the American Red Cross Kansas City Region, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and a master’s from UMKC. Sallee is also a proud father of four.
“I’m thrilled to join United Way and a team dedicated to expanding opportunities for all Kansas Citians,” Sallee said. “United Way’s long-standing commitment to supporting our region’s most vulnerable communities is inspiring and I look forward to contributing to this vital mission.”
Sallee will assume the President & CEO position at United Way in mid-February, following in the footsteps of interim co-CEOs Jessica Blubaugh and Ann Gaffigan, who have been serving in that capacity since the summer of 2025.