Antonia Monk Richburg will lead United Way of Forsyth County

United Way of Forsyth County has announced the selection of Antonia Monk Richburg as president and CEO, beginning in mid-October. 

Richburg will succeed Cindy Gordineer, who announced her retirement earlier this year.

She currently serves as vice president and senior program officer at the Cone Health Foundation and has over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management.

Richburg will become the first Black woman to lead the United Way of Forsyth County.

WFDD's Neal Charnoff spoke with Richburg about her new role with the organization. 

Interview Highlights

On lessons learned from her work with the Cone Health Foundation:

I think that the main lesson that I bring from Cone Health Foundation to the United Way is the importance of listening, listening to the population that we're serving. I think that a lot of times, we get mixed up. And we think that we know what's best for others. And I don't operate that way. I've learned over time that it's really good to get out in the community, to establish relationships, and to listen more than I speak. So that I really get to hear those voices that often don't get a seat at the table where decisions are made that impact their lives.

On her role leading the Foundation's work in diversity, equity, and inclusion: 

I think a lot of times we struggle with, you know, we want to have those folks that are like-minded with us. But I think there's a richness and having that diversity of thought, to make sure that we're really inclusive of all voices. And then we can make the best possible decisions. 

On creating new partnerships:

I'd love for United Way to have top-of-mind awareness in our community, and be thought of as a thought partner, a thought leader, and one where in we are collaborating with all of the organizations in our community that can help us affect change, as it relates to addressing generational poverty in Forsyth County.

CORRECTION: An earlier broadcast version of this story aired Cindy Gordineer's name incorrectly.