United Way Golden Horseshoe Announces Senior Volunteer Leadership Team for 2026–2027 Campaign

 By Gazette Staff

July 8th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

United Way Golden Horseshoe consists of BRANT, HALDIMAND-NORFOLK, HALTON, HAMILTON, NIAGARA

They have announced the Senior Volunteer Leadership Team that will lead its inaugural 2026–2027 campaign. Bringing together accomplished business, community, and philanthropic leaders from across the region, these volunteers will help strengthen local partnerships, mobilize community support, and ensure vital programs and services remain available for individuals and families who need them most.

As community needs continue to grow, this dedicated leadership team will serve as ambassadors for United Way, bringing people together to champion local impact, raise awareness of pressing community issues, and inspire generosity across Brant, Haldimand-Norfolk, Halton, Hamilton, and Niagara.

Leading this year’s campaign as Campaign Cabinet Chair is Marc Hamel, Associate Portfolio Manager with Manulife Wealth.

Marc Hamel is the Campaign Cabinet Chair for 2026-27

A long-time United Way volunteer and respected community leader, Marc has built a legacy of bringing business and community leaders together to address some of our region’s most pressing challenges. He is the founder and Chair of United Way’s Champions for Change Financial Services Luncheon, the founding Co-Chair of the Halton Poverty Roundtable, a past Major Giving Cabinet member, and recipient of United Way’s Leading the Way in Philanthropy Award. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to advancing local solutions that create lasting change.

Marc succeeds Carrie Fletcher, Executive Vice President People, Culture & Strategy and Chief Administration Officer at St. Joseph’s Health System and Adjunct Lecturer University of Toronto Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, who served as United Way Halton & Hamilton’s Campaign Cabinet Chair during a year that saw communities across the region come together to support people facing growing challenges.

“It is an honour to serve as Campaign Cabinet Chair during such an important moment in United Way’s history,” said Hamel. “Every day, people across our communities face challenges they should not have to face alone. This campaign is about bringing people together to create opportunities, strengthen neighbourhoods, and ensure support is there when it matters most. I am grateful to follow Carrie’s exceptional leadership and look forward to working alongside an outstanding team of volunteers who believe, as I do, that when support starts local, lasting change is possible.”

Anna Iacobelli: Major Giving Cabinet Chair.

Serving alongside Campaign Cabinet Chair Marc Hamel, Anna Iacobelli, Senior Vice President, Metro West Region at TD, will serve as Major Giving Cabinet Chair. A former United Way Campaign Chair and long-time champion of philanthropy, Anna has inspired generosity and community leadership throughout her volunteer career. As Major Giving Cabinet Chair, she will lead efforts to grow transformational giving across the Golden Horseshoe, helping secure the investments that create lasting local impact.

“Major giving has the power to transform communities,” said Iacobelli. “When people choose to invest in something bigger than themselves, they create opportunities that can change lives for years to come. I’m honoured to help lead this campaign and work alongside donors who share a belief that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive.”

Supporting Marc and Anna is Campaign and Major Giving Cabinets with over 50 Executive leaders and community philanthropists who will help drive United Way’s inaugural regional campaign through advocacy, relationship building, and community leadership.

Leading local engagement as Campaign Cabinet Regional Chairs are Allie Hughes, CEO of Delta4Digital, representing Niagara, and Brittani Verhaeghe, Manager of Customer Experience at TD, representing Brant, Haldimand-Norfolk.

Both have previously served as successful United Way Campaign Champions in their communities and bring a deep understanding of local priorities, trusted relationships, and a passion for community leadership. Their role is to ensure local voices remain central to the campaign while strengthening engagement and volunteer leadership across their respective communities.

“What has always inspired me about United Way is that local people come together to solve local challenges., said Hughes. “While we are now part of a larger United Way, that commitment remains unchanged. I look forward to helping Niagara continue to lead with generosity and community pride.”

Verhaeghe added, “Our communities are strongest when people step forward to help one another. I’m proud to continue serving Brant, Haldimand-Norfolk and to work alongside volunteers across the region as we build an even stronger future together.”

Serving as Women United Co-Chairs are:

• Nancy Francis, Retired Associate Dean, Applied Health Sciences, Brock University
• Christine Harrington, Partner and National Global Mobility Services Leader, Doane Grant Thornton LLP
• Heather MacDonald, Manager, Fraud Awareness and Prevention Strategy, TD Insurance
• Becky Sciliberto, Director, Enrolment Initiatives & Integration, Niagara College

Together, they will help grow the impact of Women United across the region by engaging women who are passionate about creating opportunities for women and girls to build strong, independent lives.

United Way also extends its gratitude to the many volunteer leaders who help drive their work forward, including Ryan Packer, Chair of the New Business Circle and past Halton & Hamilton Campaign Chair, Rob Hooper, Chair of the Sopinka Legal Luncheon, the dedicated Golf Tournament Chairs, and the hundreds of workplace campaign volunteers, labour advocates, community ambassadors, and influencers who champion United Way throughout the year. Their leadership, passion, and commitment help inspire others to get involved and create lasting impact across the Golden Horseshoe.

“This is an exceptionally talented and committed group of Senior Volunteer Leaders,” said Brad Park, President & CEO of United Way Golden Horseshoe. “Each of these individuals brings deep community roots, outstanding leadership experience, and a genuine passion for helping others. As we prepare for the first United Way Golden Horseshoe campaign, I couldn’t be more excited about the team we have assembled. Their leadership will help us strengthen local relationships, engage new supporters, and continue building a strong network of support across the region. Together, they represent the very best of what is possible when community leaders step forward to create lasting change.”

The 2026–2027 campaign will support United Way Golden Horseshoe’s work across Niagara, Hamilton, Halton, Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk, helping local agencies and programs respond to rising needs, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for people to thrive.

To view the full list of United Way’s 2026-2027 Campaign Cabinet, please click here.