United Way Named Janelle Anderson CEO

The Dallas nonprofit organization appointed Janelle Anderson to lead the regional branch starting in November.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in People

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United Way of Metropolitan Dallas has appointed Janelle Anderson as its new president and CEO, succeeding longtime leader Jennifer Sampson. Anderson, a veteran executive with past roles at American Airlines and PepsiCo, will officially step into the position on Nov. 1.

Why it matters

This leadership transition marks a significant turning point for the Dallas nonprofit as it seeks to maintain momentum for its long-term fundraising and community outreach initiatives. Anderson inherits an organization currently focused on a massive $800 million capital campaign.

The organization is pursuing an $800 million goal for its Greater Than Campaign, while new leadership prepares to oversee a Dallas-based network that benefits from the deep institutional knowledge of veteran staff. Jennifer Sampson concludes a 15-year tenure as CEO.

The players

Janelle Anderson

She is the incoming president and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas following a career at American Airlines and PepsiCo.

Jennifer Sampson

She served as the United Way CEO for 15 years and is transitioning to lead The Stephens Greth Foundation.

Susan Hoff

She has served at United Way for 17 years and is now the executive vice president and chief strategy and impact officer.

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas

This is a regional nonprofit organization that focuses on community impact and social services across the North Texas area.

The Stephens Greth Foundation

This is a charitable organization that is set to be led by Jennifer Sampson starting in October.

The details

Janelle Anderson brings extensive executive experience from her time at American Airlines and PepsiCo to the Dallas nonprofit. Concurrently, the organization named Susan Hoff as executive vice president and chief strategy and impact officer to support its North Texas community operations.

Susan Hoff began her career at United Way in 2009.
Jennifer Sampson will assume her new CEO role at The Stephens Greth Foundation on Oct. 1, 2026.
Janelle Anderson begins her tenure as United Way CEO on Nov. 1, 2026.

Market Landscape

The leadership change at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is directly tasked with steering the organization toward its $800 million Greater Than Campaign goal. This appointment marks a strategic pivot for the local nonprofit sector as established institutions seek new corporate expertise to drive massive philanthropic capital initiatives.

Donors and community partners should anticipate potential shifts in operational priorities as Anderson assumes leadership. The organization remains committed to the $800 million Greater Than Campaign, ensuring the continuation of ongoing social impact programs across North Texas.

The takeaway

Nonprofit organizations frequently seek corporate-sector experience when managing large-scale capital campaigns to ensure professionalized fiscal management. For stakeholders, this transition represents a continuity of mission despite the high-level turnover in the C-suite.