News: People

Mary Stengel Austen of Tierney Named 2011 United Way Campaign Chair

Mary Stengel Austen, president and chief executive officer of Tierney, has accepted the role of United Way’s 2011 Campaign Chair, it was announced today by Jill Michal, president and CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. J. Gordon Cooney Jr., managing partner of Morgan Lewis & Bockius’ Philadelphia office, will serve as Vice Chair of the 2011 Campaign.

Austen takes the helm of the 2011 Campaign, which will begin in the summer of 2011, succeeding Joe Frick, outgoing president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross, who is chair of the Fall 2010 campaign, currently in progress.

According to United Way’s Jill Michal, Austen brings “incredible” credentials to her new role.

“Not only has Mary been recognized for her tremendous volunteer work for organizations like Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Lafayette College and Please Touch Museum, but she has served the United Way in many capacities including Vice Chair of Donor Engagement for our current campaign. It’s that commitment and dedication that will help us reach new milestones with our 2011 campaign.”

Austen has received numerous awards and accolades in recent years. In 2010, she was recognized by the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce with its Paradigm Award. The Pennsylvania League of Women Voters recognized her with its 2009 Civic Leadership Award, and she was chosen 2009 Woman of Heart honoree for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Luncheon. And, in 2005, she was the recipient of the Spirit of Life award, the City of Hope’s most prestigious honor presented to community leaders.

“It’s a privilege for me to accept the challenge of building on what Joe (Frick) and others have achieved through their work on United Way’s annual campaign,” explains Austen. “The Campaign is not about the Chair or Vice Chair, but the dedication and support of hundreds of volunteers, staff and donors who make it possible for the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania to achieve impact in the region on a daily basis. I’m looking forward to working with Gordon and all of the stakeholders in this effort to raise the funds necessary to help children succeed in school, families become financially stable, and to allow seniors to age with dignity in their homes and communities.”

Cooney, who serves as a member of the board of directors of the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, is also chair of the Board of both the Gesu School and Rosemont School of the Holy Child. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.