SAFFORD — Denise Benton, executive director for the United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties, is stepping down.
Benton’s decision to leave the position was announced in a release issued Tuesday by United Way board President Laura Dorrell.
“Under Denise’s leadership, our organization has achieved remarkable milestones including the development of strong partnerships with community leaders/stakeholders and nonprofit organizations in both Graham and Greenlee Counties, increased presence in Greenlee County, greatly improved transparency and outreach to the communities and our donors regarding funding awarded, much more solid procedures and guidelines for our grant processes, an expanded and clarified grant application, the establishment of two new employee giving programs through Graham County and the Town of Thatcher, and the relocation of the office,” Dorrell wrote.
“We are incredibly grateful to Denise for the energy, vision, and heart that she dedicated to our organization, and we wish her the absolute best in her future endeavors.”
Grants Manager Amanda Patterson will serve as interim director until the board decides how it wants to address the vacancy.
Benton’s last day as director will be Jan. 31; however, she has agreed to remain with the organization in a part-time capacity to help Patterson and the transition to a new director.
Benton was hired as executive director in May 2022, following the resignation of former CEO Adam O’Doherty.
Tens of millions of dollars in grant funding was allocated by United Way under Benton’s nearly four-year tenure, including a record-breaking $6.8 million in 2024.
The United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties makes grants to local nonprofit, educational and governmental organizations thanks to donations from Freeport-McMoRan Foundation and Freeport employees; employees of the City of Safford, Town of Thatcher and Graham County; and individual donors.
