United Way Announces New Promotions To Its Leadership Team
July 31, 2008
United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta announced the promotions of Sharen Hausmann to vice president of
Early Learning and Charles Walker as vice president of Area Development. In addition, Bentley
Marane, CFRE, will take on a new role in the newly created position of executive director of
Planned Giving.
An expert in early childhood development, Sharen Hausmann, vice president of Early Learning,
will serve as a liaison to the United Way Early Learning Commission. In this new position, she will
play a key part in developing a regional action plan and continuum of care to help metro Atlanta’s
youngest residents grow to their potential. Previously, Hausmann developed programs to foster
quality learning environments and childcare provider training as the director of Smart Start, the
early childhood division on United Way. Prior to United Way, Hausmann worked as a consultant,
lecturer, teacher and trainer, promoting healthy growth and development in young children. She
received her master’s degree in Child and Youth Care Administration from Nova Southeastern
University.
As the vice president of Area Development, Charles Walker will primarily be responsible for
managing United Way county office fundraising and community impact operations. The former area
director for United Way in Cobb brings more than 14 years of experience in social services to his
new position, eight with United Way. While he has held a variety of positions within the social
service field, Walker has maintained a professional link to children and youth since interning with
an urban community after school program during his senior year at Morehouse College.
Walker summed up the dedication to service he and Hausmann share in saying, “I believe
leadership is inextricably tied to the number of life-improving opportunities one can provide to
others, especially children and youth.”
Bentley Marane, CFRE, brings more than 25 years of experience in fundraising for nonprofit
social service agencies to her new role as executive director of Planned Giving. She will play a
critical role in implementing the Board-approved Endowment and Planned Giving plan, with a goal to
endow more than $1 million in the first several years. During more than two years of service as
vice president of Major Gifts at United Way, Marane oversaw the growth of leadership societies and
affinity groups. Her new role will allow her to focus deeply on engaging major donors and create an
entirely new capability for our United Way. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the
University of Tennessee at Knoxville and has taken continuing studies courses in management and
fundraising.
“These new positions and promotions are all part of the exciting changes United Way is
experiencing,“ said Milton J. Little Jr., president of United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. “It’s
great when we can promote from our talent within and provide individuals with new opportunities to
grow in service to the Atlanta community.”
About United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta
For more than a century, United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta has continued to
mobilize people in our community to help tackle the issues that are too big for anyone to solve
alone. What makes United Way unique is how it helps our community work together to make lasting
impact on tough community problems that take all of us to solve. Last year, United Way of
Metropolitan Atlanta invested more than $100 million
in the community through programs and services that make a measurable impact on ending
chronic homelessness, ensuring children start school ready to succeed, and other key regional
issues. To find or give help, dial 2-1-1 or visit us online at
unitedwayatlanta.org.