Julienne Cherry
Martin P. Melilli, board chair, announced that the United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC) has appointed nonprofit leader, Julienne Cherry, president and CEO of the organization, effective June 19.
Cherry will succeed Elisse Glennon, who has served as UWGUC’s Interim President and CEO since November 2022 and will continue to serve mission-driven organizations through Elisse Glennon Consulting.
Cherry is a results-driven nonprofit executive with more than 20 years of experience developing innovative programs, garnering community support, and building relationships with a shared sense of purpose.
Throughout her career, Cherry has held leadership positions with Summit Health Cares, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Union County, and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. Most recently, Cherry won the primaries and is council-elect for the Plainfield City Council, where she will focus on working with the community and advocating for the voiceless.
“I am excited to join the United Way of Greater Union County team. I look forward to working with our current partners and identifying new partnerships that will support our mission and take us to the next level,” Cherry said.
Cherry sits on the Plainfield Action Services Committee, serves as vice chair of the National Diaper Bank Network, and sits on the Board of Directors for Moms Helping Moms. She is deeply committed to improving the lives of her neighbors and fighting for equitable access to the medical, educational and social services they need to live a healthy life.
“We are very fortunate to have Ms. Cherry joining our incredible team as president and CEO,” Melilli said. “Her leadership, vast experience, and commitment to community will help UWGUC reach new heights and expand our impact in Greater Union County.”
Cherry holds a Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in public administration from Kean University. She became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Gamma Kappa Chapter at Rutgers University in 1997 and is an active member in the local chapter of Eta Omicron Zeta, serving Union and Middlesex counties.
Among her many accomplishments and awards are her induction into the Rutgers University African American Alliance Hall of Fame, Special Congressional Recognition for community work awarded by U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, and Black History Service Award and Recognition from Mayor Dahlia Vertreese, Hillside.
UWGUC’s mission is to improve lives and build strong communities by uniting individuals and organizations with the will, passion, expertise, and resources needed to solve problems. United Way of Greater Union County envisions a community where all children and families achieve their potential through quality education, financial stability and healthy lives, with a focus on family strengthening.