CHARLOTTESVILLE (WINA) – Former Charlottesville School Board chair JuanDiego Wade has been named the new chair of the United Way of Charlottesville Board of Directors as Mike Chinn steps down after three years.
A United Way release says Wade “brings a wealth of local knowledge, deep and diverse relationships, and over two decades of experience with the United Way”.
The release says Wade has mentored many youth in the Charlottesville community over the past 30 years as he serves as the Career Center Coordinator with the Albemarle County Department of Social Services. He’s been on the city school board since 2006, and is a past President of the Virginia School Boards Association.
United Way President and CEO Ravi Respeto says “Juan brings a combination of energy, knowledge, and passion to our organization.
The complete release follows:
The United Way is excited to announce Juandiego Wade as the new Chair of the organization’s board. Wade brings a wealth of local knowledge, deep and diverse relationships, and over two decades of experience with the United Way. Wade is succeeding Mike Chinn, who held the position for the previous three years.
“I am honored beyond words to chair this organization at this pivotal time,” said Wade. “I am prepared and energized to work with staff, the board and the community to fulfill the mission of United Way of Greater Charlottesville.”
Wade serves as the Career Center Coordinator with Albemarle County Department of Social Services and has mentored many youth in the Charlottesville community over the past 30 years. He has served on the Charlottesville School Board since election in 2006 including stints as Chair and Vice Chair of the Board. He is also the past President of the Virginia School Boards Association. Wade holds 10 other local board connections including City Schoolyard Garden, 100 Black Men of Central Virginia, JAUNT, and CNE. He has won numerous awards for his community efforts and was most recently awarded the Charlottesville Chamber of Commerce Paul Goodloe McIntire Citizenship Award in 2019.
“Juan brings a rare combination of energy, knowledge, and passion to our organization” said Ravi Respeto, President & CEO of the United Way. “He’s worked so hard for the betterment of our community, and we’re ecstatic to have him take on a larger role within our organization.”
“I am thrilled, for the United Way and for the greater Charlottesville community, to pass the gavel to such a capable leader,” remarked Mike Chinn, who will remain a part of the organization’s board. “Juan has meant so much to so many in our community for many years, and his experience in crafting our important mission will serve him well as a trusted leader and mentor to Ravi and the entire team. I can’t wait for him to get started.”
Juan is a graduate of Norfolk State University and the University of Virginia. He resides in Charlottesville with his wife, Claudette, and their daughter.
