Vanecia Kerr

BizTUCSONJuly 7, 2026

2 minutes read

President & CEO
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona

By Tiffany Kjos

The word “authentic” often comes up when people describe Vanecia Kerr, who in June marked one year as president and CEO of the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona.

“She really has passion for this kind of work,” said Allison Titcomb, chief impact officer and senior VP of United Way. “She’s really smart and a fast learner, and she values that in others. And she values people being able to step into leadership positions. She’s not one of those who thinks leadership is all about just your title, but that everybody can be a leader in some way.”

Previously chief impact officer for Mile High United Way in Denver, Kerr launched into action in Tucson by meeting with the 60-plus staff members and implementing many of their suggestions.

“Leadership is collaborative. No man is an island unto himself. I believe success requires a level of collaboration with people, both in the community as well as with my team. Everyone needs to understand their value and what they bring to the table,” said Kerr.

She joined the Rotary Club of Tucson, the Southern Arizona Leadership Council and Tucson’s Leading Women. Additionally, she transferred her memberships in the International Women’s Forum and The Links Inc. to Arizona and is involved with the local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

“She’s very organized, she’s very strategic—which I super appreciate—but she’s also new to Tucson, so she’s been very open to listening and learning from others,” Titcomb said.

Kerr cultivated her strategic proficiency with 20 years in the corporate sector prior to moving into nonprofit work. She also holds a bachelor’s degree from Hampton University in Virginia and an MPA from Baruch College at the City University of New York.

Today, she manages $15 million in revenue and $2.7 million in operating funds while focusing on the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona’s four pillars: education, financial wellness, housing stability and health.

Through grants and other work, the organization reaches more than 300,000 people a year, including 13,000 it has helped this year through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and 1,000 Pima County students who each received 12 books through My Summer Library.

“One of the things that really brings me joy is that I know that the work we’re doing is making a difference,” Kerr said. “I love the people here and being able to work with incredibly smart, dedicated people who want to see our community thrive.”