After more than two decades of United Way service, Chief Operations Officer Ken Toll is moving on.
“Bringing together our three United Ways into the United Way of South Central Michigan has gone better than I could have hoped,” said Toll. “ We have a really strong team in place.” So strong, in fact, that Toll himself proposed doing away with the COO role.
“My first-year focus was on making the integration go as smoothly as possible—and that’s happened! So while I love this United Way, I’m ready to explore something new. The timing is right for me to look for other avenues where I can bring what I’ve learned to impact lives.”
UWSCMI President and CEO Chris Sargent said that, given Ken Toll’s selfless leadership, he wasn’t surprised that Toll offered to step away.
“To say I’ll miss having Ken as part of the team is an understatement,” said Sargent. “In his many years with United Way, Ken has led initiatives and partnerships that have impacted people’s lives in powerful ways. His insight, counsel and enthusiasm for our work have been crucial.”
Chief Operations Officer Ken Toll
Toll’s focus on collaboration and innovation has led to many significant developments over the years, among them Central Michigan 2-1-1; Drug Free Jackson; the United Way nonprofit campus; JobSTAR, Jackson’s business resource network; and UWJC’s focus on financial stability, especially for struggling households that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Toll collaborated to drive creation of the Jackson Covid Action Network (JCAN) and the COVID-19 Response Fund, bringing together dozens of local grassroots and nonprofit groups to meet critical needs across the community. Under Toll’s leadership, United Way has become a strong advocate for ALICE families, racial equity and meeting basic needs.
“When I think of the many years spent working with incredible partners, talented staffers, generous donors, eager volunteers and can-do leaders to make life better for my community, I’m left feeling both grateful and humble,” said Toll.
“I’m also thankful for the amazing Jackson staff. I’m pleased to say UWSCMI is firmly committed to our work in Jackson County, and our local staff will continue to lead that important work,” he added. “They, along with our local partners, keep proving the best way to build our community is by Living United.”
Born and raised in Jackson, Toll graduated from Jackson High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in English and philosophy from Kalamazoo (Michigan) College. His career with United Way began in 2000 when he joined the staff at United Way of Jackson County. In 2004 he became Executive Director of Development at Jackson College (then JCC), including leading the JCC Foundation. Toll returned to UWJC in 2006 as President and CEO, a role he held until becoming Chief Operations Officer for UWSCMI through the 2022 merger. Toll is married to Betty, and the couple have three children.
“I will always hold dear my United Way life and the partnership throughout the community,” Toll said. “Few people get to say, ‘What I do is meaningful. What I do makes a real, lasting difference for real people.’ United Way gave me that chance. I’m ready to take that to the next level.”
A formal recognition of Ken Toll will be scheduled in the spring, Sargent said.
“All of us at UWSCMI are profoundly grateful for Ken’s passion and unwavering commitment to United Way and our communities,” said Sargent. “Ken embodies our mission of leading with our communities to create a flourishing, equitable life for everyone. “I have no doubt that, wherever his path leads him, he’ll carry that mission with him.”
