United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Names Jill Wheeler as Chief Philanthropy Officer
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has selected Jill Wheeler to lead the $32 million organization’s annual fundraising efforts as Chief Philanthropy Officer starting in January. A lifelong Lehigh Valley resident and accomplished executive with more than 25 years of experience in sales, marketing, communications and government relations, Wheeler currently serves as Vice President, Lehigh Valley of City Center Group.
“From her work revitalizing Downtown Allentown with City Center and beyond, Jill has extensive experience in business development, marketing and operations and an impressive track record of achieving transformative results. She is a unique talent, who brings the special caliber needed to be successful in this role. As we strive to accelerate both revenue and impact in the coming years, we’re confident that Jill will continue the unparalleled growth trajectory created by our long-time development leader Chip Hurd,” remarked Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
Wheeler joins United Way as current Chief Philanthropy Officer Paul “Chip” Hurd, Jr. begins his transition into retirement. In the role, Wheeler will oversee the local United Way’s fundraising and development efforts, which include the organization’s $27 million annual campaign, corporate relationships, employee and retiree contributions, and individual and major gifts.
“Being part of the revitalization of downtown Allentown over the past eight years has been an incredible experience. The team at City Center Group has made achievements that will improve downtown Allentown for generations, and not just in construction. The company has shared its resources with the community in many impactful ways, which has helped me realize my passion for helping my community grow and thrive. I can’t think of a better organization in the Lehigh Valley to join to pursue that passion, and who better to learn from than Chip. United Way does remarkable work across the entire Lehigh Valley. It’s an honor to join them in the new year,” said Wheeler.
Wheeler has worked at City Center Group since 2017, focusing on commercial leasing, marketing and community development.
“We’re incredibly proud of Jill and the impact she has made in her eight years with City Center. Her ability to make things happen and build strong relationships inside and outside the company has been a cornerstone of our success and will be a direct benefit to United Way as she steps into her new role. City Center has been a proud partner of United Way for many years, and we’re excited for Jill to share her talent with an organization that strengthens the entire Lehigh Valley community through its critical work,” added J.B. Reilly, President, City Center Group.
As a long-time United Way supporter and volunteer, Wheeler served on the organization’s Board of Directors from 2023 to 2025, was a member of Campaign Cabinet and is an active member of Tocqueville Society, a giving society of the region’s most generous and committed philanthropists.
“In addition to her business acumen, Jill demonstrates a deep understanding and commitment to United Way’s mission. With her addition to the team, we expect a seamless transition for our donors and corporate partners who play a critical role in meeting the needs in the region,” said Joe Savage, United Way Board Chair and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Victaulic. “We especially want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chip Hurd for his role in leading our local organization to become on as one the highest-performing local United Ways in the nation.”
Hurd joined the local United Way in 2015 to lead fundraising and immediately built a thriving major gifts and corporate giving program. During his decade-long tenure, the organization cumulatively raised $185 million dollars through the annual United Way campaign which grew 143% from $11.8 million in 2015 to $26.2 million in 2024, with all funding supporting education, health and human services programming. Hurd will continue to support the organization in a part-time role starting in July 2026.
Prior to City Center, Wheeler was Vice President and General Manager of Klunk & Millan Advertising, overseeing operations, business development and integrated marketing strategies. She served in various sales, marketing and general management roles at Stanley Vidmar, a division of Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. While there, she led an initiative to rebrand the 40-year-old business, expanded sales channels and business acquisitions that diversified the breadth of the company’s offerings. She later ran the business in North America and Asia.
Wheeler began her career at RCN, where she helped drive the groundbreaking expansion of broadband into high-density U.S. markets. She is a board member of Allentown Economic Development Council and The Century Promise and sits on the Lehigh Valley Children’s Hospital Ambassador Council. Wheeler earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration Marketing with a Minor in Psychology from Albright College.
