Sanchez to lead United Way’s board for two years

United Way of Miami-Dade’s trustees have elected Robert E. Sanchez, chairman and CEO of Ryder System, Inc., to serve as board chair. He succeeds Carlos A. Migoya, president and CEO of Jackson Health System, who concludes his three-year term as chair. Beginning July 1, 2020, Sanchez will spearhead the board comprised of business and community leaders who are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of United Way.

“Robert is the perfect person to steer United Way through this critical moment in South Florida,” Migoya said. “He is a thoughtful listener, a driver of results, and a believer in compassionate service – qualities that our community needs in order to generously reweave our social and economic fabric.”

For more than 40 years, Ryder has supported the United Way’s mission to fight for the education, financial stability and health of every person in our community. Sanchez served as a United Way executive committee member, co-chaired the 2017 fundraising campaign and is an active Tocqueville Society member.

“The United Way holds a special place in my heart. From when I first contributed to a workplace campaign nearly 30 years ago, it was clear that the United Way was a special organization that brings people from all backgrounds together to help those in our community who need it the most,” Sanchez said. “That mission rings true today more than ever before. With so many underserved children, the elderly, and families in such critical need, it is my honor to continue this legacy to help build a stronger Miami for everyone.”

Sanchez has worked at Ryder System, Inc. 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. Since 2012, he has led the development and execution of Ryder’s growth strategy, focused on the large segment of businesses that do not outsource their fleet management and supply chain functions. The company has achieved record revenue and earnings levels under his leadership.

In addition to his role at United Way, Sanchez is on the board of directors of Texas Instruments, Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA), Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba and the Association of Cuban American Engineers (ACAE). He is also a member of the board of trustees at St. Thomas University and the University of Miami. In 2016, Sanchez was named one of the Top 100 Power Leaders by South Florida Business Journal. He holds a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from the University of Miami and a master of business administration with a concentration in finance and strategic management from the University of Pennsylvania.

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 unitedwaymiami.org,facebook.com/UnitedWayMiami,twitter.com/UnitedWayMiamior instagram/UnitedWayMiami.