Darienne Hudson, Ed.D.

Dr. Darienne Hudson is a high-energy nonprofit executive and life-long educator serving as president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan, located in Detroit. Before joining United Way in July 2018, she spent four years as superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools. Dr. Hudson began her career as an elementary school teacher in Detroit Public Schools, a point of personal pride. Dr. Hudson believes in the power of collective impact and in the importance of public-private partnerships to solve societal issues and inequity. Her ability to mobilize corporations, foundations, and individual donors to orchestrate a coordinated community-based effort in response to the coronavirus pandemic garnered international praise and recognition. Dr. Hudson continues to lead United Way with the same sense of urgency and passion. Throughout her tenure, the organization has raised more than $350 million to support individuals and families in need across Southeastern Michigan. Dr. Hudson proudly co-chairs the Mayor’s Workforce Development Board, and she serves on several local and global boards including Educational Testing Services, United Way Worldwide and recently completed her term on the Board of Overseers for Harvard University. Dr. Hudson's academic achievements include a doctorate from Harvard University in UrbanSuperintendency, master's degrees in education from Harvard University and University of Michigan and a bachelor's degree in education from Spelman College.