Chrystal Armstrong Brown Appointed Permanent CEO of United Way

United Way of Greater Knoxville has appointed Chrystal Armstrong Brown as its new permanent CEO following a comprehensive nationwide search that evaluated over 200 candidates. Brown, who previously served as interim CEO after the departure of Matt Ryerson in November 2024, is now set to lead the organization into its second century of service.

The selection process for the CEO role was extensive, encompassing candidates from 27 states and representing various backgrounds in the nonprofit sector. The search committee, led by board chair Jim LaPinska, prioritized candidates with experience in organizations like United Way. LaPinska noted Brown’s ability to foster trust within the community during her interim leadership and praised her management skills, particularly regarding budgetary oversight during challenging times.

Brown’s commitment to enhancing community welfare aligns with the organization’s mission, which emphasizes “compassion, collaboration, agility, and innovation.” Under her interim leadership, she initiated several programs aimed at improving early childhood care, economic mobility, and health in the local area.

With a strong educational background, Brown holds a double major bachelor’s degree in English rhetoric and writing from the University of Tennessee and an MBA from Johnson University. Before joining United Way, she held various leadership roles at the Emerald Youth Foundation and United Way of Southwest Virginia. Her experience extends into the religious sector, where she has spent 20 years in pastoral leadership, currently serving on the leadership team of two churches in Knoxville.

In a statement to WBIR, Brown expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community. “I am deeply honored to continue serving this community and United Way of Greater Knoxville as president and CEO,” she said. With her extensive experience and deep roots in the community, Brown is positioned to build on the organization’s legacy of facilitating meaningful change.

This leadership transition marks a significant moment for United Way of Greater Knoxville as it continues to address the evolving needs of the community it serves. Brown’s appointment signals a commitment not only to maintaining but also to enhancing the organization’s outreach and impact in the years to come.