Alexandra Villoch and Robert Sanchez
In Miami-Dade County, more than 350 workplaces will engage in unique events such as pulling planes, volunteering at older adult centers, dressing up as superheroes, starring in talent shows or hosting bake sales to build a stronger Miami through United Way of Miami-Dade. Alexandra Villoch, president and publisher of the Miami Herald Media Company, and Robert Sanchez, chairman and CEO of Ryder System, Inc., will be at the foundation of this endeavor.
Revenues generated through the annual campaign support United Way’s work in education, financial stability and health, which includes investing in more than 100 programs at more than 50 local nonprofit agencies, advocating for better policies, engaging people in the community to find solutions to emerging issues as well as bold initiatives like the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education and the United Way Center for Financial Stability.
During the previous campaign that ended in June 2016, Publix Super Markets and its associates surpassed their own record by raising an astounding $3.4 million for United Way.Miami-Dade County and Miami-Dade County Public Schools, along with their respective bargaining units, joined Lennar Corporation and University of Miami as top contributors, with campaigns raising funds of $1 million or more.
“The Miami Herald and Ryder are woven into our United Way fabric. They are more than friends, they are family,” Harve A. Mogul, president and CEO, United Way of Miami-Dade, said. “To have Alex and Robert at the helm of our campaign is an honor and a privilege.”
Villoch and Sanchez will lead a team of volunteers, also known as the campaign cabinet, who will work closely with United Way staff to engage and motivate government, businesses, labor unions, faith groups, nonprofits and everyday citizens to support the community through employee campaigns, individual gifts, special events and volunteer activities.
This year’s campaign will kick off with a series of online webinars geared toward educating and inspiring campaign volunteers followed by a rally in September.
About Alexandra Villoch
As president and publisher of the Miami Herald Media Company, Alexandra Villoch is responsible for both theMiami Herald and el Nuevo Herald newspapers and its affiliated print and digital products. Villoch is also responsible for heading up HCP/Aboard, a custom magazine and publishing company owned by the Herald. She previously served as the senior vice president for advertising and marketing at the Herald beginning in 2005.
In addition to her role as a United Way board member and 2016-17 campaign co-chair, Villoch has served as chair for The Beacon Council and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami-Dade. She is on the executive committee of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Miami Dade College Foundation board. Villoch has also received several awards such as the 2015 Thelma Gibson Award of Excellence by the Women’s Chamber of Commerce, the FACE Excellence Award in the Business sector, the Walk in Her Shoes award from the Chapman Partnership for the Homeless and the 2012 International Economic Development Council’s Citizen Leadership Award. She holds a bachelor’s in political science and MBA from the University of Miami.
About Robert Sanchez
Robert Sanchez is chairman and CEO of Ryder System, Inc. He has worked at the company for more than 20 years, holding many senior executive leadership positions such as president and COO, executive vice president and CFO. In his earlier roles, Sanchez played a key part in implementing the strategy to improve Ryder’s cost management, driving an improvement in the return of capital and earnings of the company.
In addition to his role as a United Way board member and 2016-17 campaign co-chair, Sanchez is on the board of directors of Texas Instruments, Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA), St. Thomas University and the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba. He is also a mentor for the Big Brothers Big Sisters School-to-Work program. In 2016, Sanchez was named one of the Top 100 Power Leaders by South Florida Business Journal. He received his MBA from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from the University of Miami.
About United Way of Miami-Dade
Since 1924, United Way of Miami-Dade has been an innovative force in the community, successfully responding to emerging needs and transforming people’s lives. Today our work is focused on education, financial stability and health—the building blocks for a good life. We invest in quality programs, advocate for better policies, engage people in the community and generate resources. To learn more, give, advocate or volunteer, visit www.unitedwaymiami.org, www.facebook.com/
