Ralph Dickerson Jr. Former president and CEO of the United Way of New York City died peacefully last Sunday morning.
Ralph Dickerson is known for his success in the nonprofit world in the United States, and his passion for community activities was born in 1947 and grew up in Illinois.
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Mother was a teacher at the University of Illinois, and Ralph worked for Ogden Corporation and McDonnell Douglas, and New York United Way. Ralph Dickerson Jr. Was recognized in so many ways for his commitment to service to the community and his success in various positions in the nonprofit world. He served honorably as the president and CEO of United Way of New York City from May 1988 to the year 2005.
As president of the United Way of New York City, he led the organization into a position of being the largest private funder of health and human services in New York City as a major force in forging a bold new solution to the city’s most critical human care challenges. Under his leadership United Way of New York City’s revenue grew from 7.5 million to 135 million, making it the largest united way in the nation.
In addition, United Way of New York City has used its extensive knowledge of community-based human services agencies to broker and partner with government, foundations, and businesses in a groundbreaking initiative that has successfully addressed the city’s human care issue and the high dropout rate.
Ralph Dickerson, held a key executive position for 30 years in local United Ways, including St. Louise, Missouri, Madison, Wisconsin, Cleveland, Ohio, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He holds a BS in business administration, and he received an MBA from the University of Wisconsin. Ralph has served as a director with several civic and corporate organizations and has received a new university award, an honorary degree. He was also inducted into the Alpha Kappa Psi Honorable Business fraternity.
Upon leaving the United Nation of New York City, Ralph took on the position of president and CEO of the Abyssinian Development Corporation, organized by Abyssinian Baptist Church under Reverend Calvin Butts to serve the housing needs of the Harlem community, one of the largest housing development organizations. Ralph served in that position for several years to bring stability to an institution that was providing critical service to the neighborhood of Harlem.
He has served on several boards and has been an active investor in several local developments and corporations and is known and admired throughout the community. He leaves behind his partner, Ms. Lisa Crutchfield, son, Ralph Dickerson, the third, and several grandchildren. To mourn arrangements once determined will be published in this space.
