September 25, 2023, Tacoma, Wash. — United Way of Pierce County (UWPC) proudly introduces its Campaign Co-Chairs for the 2023/2024 fundraising drive: Beth Johnson and Michael D. Griffus.
In their volunteer roles, Johnson and Griffus will spearhead workplace campaign goals, engaging with over 300 participating companies across Pierce County to garner crucial support.
Beth Johnson, President and CEO of Coordinated Care since June 2018, boasts over 30 years of healthcare leadership experience. She excels in Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial lines of business, with a history of successful roles at top Pacific Northwest healthcare organizations such as Premera BlueCross, Regence BlueShield, First Choice Health, and MultiCare Health System. Beth's expertise spans physician practice management, hospital administration, managed care, network development, health plan operations, product development, and account management. She earned her cum laude Bachelor of Science in Health Science/Public Health Education from James Madison University and a Master of Public Health in Health Administration from the University of South Carolina-Columbia. Beth has also contributed her insights to various Boards and Councils, including the Bree Collaborative, WA Health Alliance, March of Dimes, Cambia Foundation, Elevate Health, and Olympic Community of Health Board.
Mike Griffus, CEO of Pierce Transit, leads a 960-employee agency with a $154 million budget, serving Tacoma and Pierce County across 292 square miles via buses, paratransit vehicles, and vanpools. He assumed the CEO role in August 2021, following his tenure as Chief Operating Officer since 2016, where he oversaw daily operations and the majority of the agency's 500 bus drivers. With over 30 years in transportation, Mike previously served as CEO of Keolis America, President/COO of Veolia Transportation, and Senior Vice President of Laidlaw. He also proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Infantry from 1974 to 1980. In his free time, Mike enjoys the Northwest's natural beauty through hiking, biking, and kayaking, along with a passion for reading.
We invite the community to join them in supporting their work to lift 15,000 households out of poverty, one family at a time to help those currently in need.
"We are thrilled to have Beth and Mike leading this effort," said Dona Ponepinto, President and CEO of United Way of Pierce County. "Their demonstrated leadership will undoubtedly drive the success of workplace campaigns, ultimately enriching our community."
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About United Way of Pierce County
Now in its Centennial year, United Way of Pierce County has served our community since 1921. Our history is rooted in partnerships—bringing people from different walks of life together to improve conditions for children, families and individuals. While that will never change, our role as a community fundraiser has shifted as the United Way movement has sharpened our focus to solve critical community issues that prevent people from meeting their full potential. Today we are leading change by breaking the cycle of poverty in Pierce County. UNITED, WE WILL LIFT 15,000 FAMILIES OUT OF POVERTY BY 2028. Learn more at https://www.uwpc.org/