EXTON, PA — Chester County United Way is celebrating a significant milestone this month as Chief Executive Officer Chris Saello marks 16 years with the organization and Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Miller celebrates 21 years of dedicated service. Together, they represent 37 years of commitment to Chester County United Way and the community it serves.
While anniversaries provide an opportunity to reflect, Saello and Miller are quick to point out that the milestone is about far more than years of service. It is a celebration of an organization whose strength has been built over generations by dedicated staff, volunteers, board members, donors, and community partners.
Miller joined Chester County United Way in 2005 during the tenure of longtime President and CEO Claudia Hellebush, while Saello joined the organization in 2010 as Vice President of Resource Development before being named President and CEO in 2019. Together, they represent a continuation of the organization’s longstanding tradition of stable leadership, thoughtful stewardship, and unwavering commitment to the people of Chester County.
“We’ve been fortunate to spend a large part of our careers serving an organization that has meant so much to this community,” said Saello. “Neither Stephanie nor I see ourselves as the authors of Chester County United Way’s story. We recognize that we stand on the shoulders of the remarkable leaders, board members, employees, volunteers, donors, and community partners who came before us and built this incredible organization. Our responsibility is to honor that legacy while continuing to move it forward.”
Over the past two decades, Chester County United Way has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of the community. From expanding financial stability programs and strengthening nonprofit partnerships to opening its permanent headquarters, launching innovative initiatives, responding during the COVID-19 pandemic, and increasing investments in local programs, the organization has remained focused on creating lasting impact for Chester County residents.
“For both of us, leadership has never been about how long we’ve been here,” said Miller. “It’s about earning the trust of our community every day, supporting an outstanding team, and ensuring Chester County United Way continues to grow stronger for those who will lead it in the future.”
Saello added, “One of the philosophies that has guided both of us is simple: leave the organization better than we found it. Every decision we make is with the understanding that we are temporary stewards of something much bigger than ourselves. Our hope is that future leaders will inherit an even stronger Chester County United Way than the one we were fortunate enough to join.”
Today, Chester County United Way serves more than 130,000 residents annually through direct services, strategic grantmaking, volunteer engagement, and innovative community partnerships while investing in programs that strengthen Chester County.
As the organization celebrates these career milestones, the focus remains firmly on the future—continuing to build upon a strong foundation while adapting to meet the evolving needs of the community for generations to come.
About Chester County United Way
Chester County United Way is dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities by addressing key issues such as financial security, youth opportunity, and healthy communities. Through strategic programs and partnerships, the organization empowers individuals and families to achieve lasting stability and success. For more information about Chester County United Way and its financial security programs, visit www.ChescoUnitedWay.org
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