United Way of Long Island president and David Award winner Willie B. Edlow Jr. is a visible community leader who believes that third world living conditions for some in the midst of all our economic prosperity is unacceptable.

He credits the Virginia community where he was raised by his family for his successes and his caring spirit. He describes a 1940s childhood of being cared for not only by his family but also by others. "I was raised by the community. Everyone called themselves my parents," he said, crediting the community for nurturing him and giving him the support and push to get his education. His upbringing also provided him with the "right mindset for life."

"I really developed a caring spirit about people. I'm a people person," said Edlow, who started his United Way career after 18 years in corporate management and doesn't regret the move. "I'm getting a lot of emotional rewards."

Following a nationwide search, United Way of Long Island selected Edlow as its president and Chief Professional Officer in March of 1997. For the five years before coming to New York, the Virginia native was president and CEO at United Way in Bridgeport Connecticut.

He served two years as the senior vice president of United Way in Richmond, Virginia and six years as the executive director of United Way of Petersburg, Virginia.

United Way of Long Island is a $20-million operation with a staff of 40 people, thousands of volunteers and over 180 member agencies and programs. Last year, United Way of Long Island received over $11-million in charitable contributions. Administrative costs for the operation are only 12.5 percent, which means that 87.5 cents of each dollar goes directly to Long Islanders in need.

Edlow has elevated United Way of Long Island's value through successful community initiatives including Success By 6, Project Blueprint, LIRR Transportation Fund, Project Warmth and D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth. He guided United Way through the process of becoming the administrative support agency in distributing $6-million in government funds to help people with HIV/AIDS.

Edlow also co-chaired the Health and Human Services Transition Team for Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi. Another accomplishment for Edlow was managing the completion of United Way of Long Island's first permanent home, the Center for Hope. Owning the Center for Hope enables the organization to expand its role as an architect of change on Long Island, enhancing the lives of many.

He was instrumental in helping Long Island families affected by the tragedy of September 11 by creating the United Way of Long Island World Trade Center Disaster Relief Fund. The fund raised over $500,000 and was distributed to over 300 families.

Through his work at United Way of Long Island he continues to challenge Long Island to distinguish itself nationally as a caring community.

The David Award winner serves on a number of boards including that of the Long Island Association, the Long Island Association's Health Alliance, the Long Island Community Foundation, Promote Long Island, SUNY Old Westbury College Foundation Board and the Nassau County Youth Board. He is a member of the Long Island Region's Blood Collection Cabinet, the NAACP-Islip Chapter, 100 Black Men of Long Island and a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Edlow is also active in United Way regionally and nationally as a co-chair of United Way of America's Northeast Regional Council, a member of United Way of America's National Professional Council and past chair of United Way of Tri-State's Chief Professional Officer's Forum.

Edlow is a proud graduate of Virginia State University with a degree in Industrial Arts Education.