As one of the most philanthropic cities in the nation, Birmingham is supported by nonprofit organizations that use their resources to empower and strengthen our community. The Birmingham Business Journal (BBJ) Leadership in Nonprofit Awards, held on March 19th at the Harbert Center, honored the city’s outstanding nonprofits and the individuals and organizations supporting them.
At United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA), we are proud to have nominated – and to be associated with – some of the incredible leaders and organizations whose efforts are making a lasting impact on our community.
Top Development Officer: Maggie McDonald
UWCA’s Maggie McDonald was named “Top Development Officer” for her more than 25 years strengthening Birmingham’s philanthropic community through successful fundraising and dedicated volunteer work. Maggie serves as Vice President of Legacy Gifts at UWCA, leading its planned and endowment giving strategy. She manages the largest Tocqueville Legacy Circle in the world, with more than 180 individuals who have committed current or planned gifts of $250,000 or more to UWCA’s endowment. She also leads the Forever United Campaign, a long-term effort to grow United Way’s endowment to more than $125 million in outright and deferred gifts.
Thanking the Birmingham Business Journal for the honor, Maggie reflected on making her first philanthropic gift. “The feeling I got is very difficult to describe, but every one of us knows what it feels like,” she said. “Contributing your gifts to nonprofits that help those in need is incredibly important – please continue to do so.”
Most Impactful Project: EXCEL
United Way of Central Alabama’s EXCEL (Expanding Childcare and Early Learning) grant program was honored as “Most Impactful Project.” EXCEL addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing Central Alabama: access to affordable, high-quality childcare and early learning programs. Across the region, there are fewer than five childcare centers for every 1,000 children age 5 and younger, creating a significant barrier for working families and limiting children’s readiness for school. EXCEL was created to close this gap by helping childcare providers increase their capacity through grant funding as well as additional resources that enhance their ability to improve and sustain quality programs.
Since its launch, EXCEL has made measurable progress in addressing childcare shortages across Central Alabama, funding the expansion of 51 early learning programs and giving nearly 2,000 more children access to high-quality early learning programs within their communities. A total of $1,275,000 has been invested in helping early learning providers expand, improve and thrive — generating approximately 140 new jobs within early learning centers.
As Senior Program Coordinator Olivia Hayes said, “When parents are able to go to work knowing their child is safe, supported and learning, our community benefits.”
Most Supportive Corporate Citizen: Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED
Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED (CCBCU) was recognized along with Protective Life Corporation as “Most Supportive Corporate Citizen” for its historic legacy, executive leadership, broad employee participation and unwavering commitment to community well-being.
CCBCU’s impact is driven by visible, hands-on leadership at the highest levels of the organization. In 2025, President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Suco served as UWCA’s Pacesetter Campaign Chair, leading the early phase of the annual fall appeal during the summer. Under his leadership, the Pacesetter effort generated $11.4 million, building critical early momentum toward the overall campaign goal.
CCBCU’s commitment is reinforced by sustained executive involvement. Bo Taylor, Senior Vice President, has served on UWCA’s Campaign Cabinet for four consecutive years and, as leader of the Publix Division, helped guide efforts that generated more than $1 million annually in campaign contributions. Pam Cook, Corporate Director of Community and Stakeholder Engagement, serves on UWCA’s Marketing Committee, strengthening collaboration, visibility and alignment between CCBCU and United Way initiatives.
Rooted in Birmingham for more than 120 years, CCBCU has built a legacy defined by philanthropy, volunteerism and deep community partnership; and UWCA is proud to be a partner in this journey.
Unity in Community
This year’s BBJ Leadership in Nonprofit Awards offered a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people come together to support one another. We’re proud to stand alongside these honorees and so many others who help to strengthen our community.