January 16, 2018 — The United Way of Hampshire County, based in Northampton, today announced that John Bidwell has been named as the organization's new executive director, and will start in the job next week.
Bidwell will succeed James Ayres, who served as executive director of the United Way of Hampshire County (UHWC) for six years until he stepped down last June to assume a similar post at the United Way of Pioneer Valley in Springfield.
Renée Moss, former executive director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, served as interim executive director during the search process, and will rejoin the UWHC board of directors.
Kate Glynn, UHWC board chair, said “We are thrilled to welcome John to this position. He has been a long-time active member of the United Way community and brings a wealth of professional experience to our organization. We have enjoyed working with John as a board member in the past and we are looking forward to his leadership as executive director.”
Bidwell co-led development of the UWHC strategic plan in 2009, served on the executive and marketing committees, and volunteered with the organization’s community investment process.
Bidwell most recently as executive director of marketing and business development at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Previously, he was director of marketing and digital strategy at Baystate Health. He also was the president and founder of Bidwell ID, a branding and marketing firm for a dozen years.
He is a lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Isenberg School of Management. A former Peace Corps volunteer in Mali, Bidwell recently co-authored a book with a Holocaust survivor. He serves on a committee that advises the mayor of Springfield regarding marketing strategy in response to the MGM Casino being built in the city.
“United Way is an incredible organization whose impact can be seen every day in our community,” said Bidwell. “The organization is trusted, and our supporters are passionate; they understand the importance of having each other’s back. I look forward to leading United Way toward an even stronger role in addressing the key issues facing our community.”
Bidwell earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in religious studies from McGill University.
UHWC works to advance the health and wellbeing of Hampshire County, focusing its grantmaking on issues related to children and youth, economic security, and health and safety.
For the year ending June 30, 2016, UWHC reported $1.2 million in revenue, of which $1.1 million came from contributions and grants, and $1.3 million in expenses, according to its most recently available federal tax filing.