The United Way of Fresno County Board of Directors appointed R. Michael Alexander as the organization's President effective January 3, 2011.  

Alexander has served as a health care consultant to the Gehrson Lehman Group since 2007 and previously enjoyed a 34 year career with Kaiser Permanente Health Plan and Hospitals. While with Kaiser Permanente he served in a range of general management, operations, financial, marketing and administrative positions including four years in Fresno as area manager/CEO for the company's Central California operations.  

Alexander has served on the board of directors of numerous community service organizations including those of the Boy Scouts of the Central Valley, the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, the Valley Business Council and the United Way of Fresno County. He is also a former member of the Rotary Club of Fresno.  

United Way Board Chairman William Griffith said that the board unanimously selected Alexander based upon his track record leading a service-based organization as well as his strong organizational experience and personal qualities. He added that they are excited about having him on the United Way team.  

Alexander grew up in Denver Colorado and holds a BA in Business Administration from Morningside College in Sioux City, IA. He is also a graduate of the Stanford Executive Management Program at the Stanford University Business School.  

Alexander said "I am very excited about my return to Fresno and joining the United Way team. I look forward to supporting the citizens of Fresno County through the initiatives of United Way and its many partners. We can make a difference by working together for the well being of the County."  

As President, Alexander directs the organization and operation of the United Way of Fresno County in its mission to improve the quality of life by mobilizing the caring power of communities to make long-lasting changes and impact in community conditions. It is the long term goal of United Way to build a stronger Fresno County and Central Valley by mobilizing local communities to improve lives by advancing the common good.  

Alexander is married to Linda and has a daughter residing in Clovis and a son who lives with his wife and daughter in Casper, Wyoming.