Whether he’s leading one of the nation’s largest Coca-Cola bottlers or training for an Ironman triathlon, Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED’s Mike Suco knows how to push past limits and finish strong. He’s bringing that same focus to his role as United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) 2025 Pacesetter Chair.
Suco grew up in Jacksonville, Alabama, in a family shaped by determination and service. His parents and grandparents immigrated from Cuba in 1962, starting fresh with little but hope.
After settling in Alabama, his grandfather became a college professor at Miles College, and his mother taught at Jacksonville State University for more than 40 years. Their resilience and service-oriented lives shaped how Suco leads and why he gives back.
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Suco serves as President and CEO of Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, a Birmingham-based company with more than 10,000 associates and deep local roots. He joined Coca-Cola UNITED in 2000 where he’s held multiple leadership roles over the past two decades.
Suco has led major expansions, managed thousands of associates and oversees billions of dollars in revenue. In August 2022, Coca Cola UNITED named him President and CEO, becoming just the eighth person to lead the company in its 120-year history.
His journey with United Way started through that legacy. Coca-Cola UNITED has supported United Way for decades, dating back to company founder Crawford Johnson Sr., who helped establish the Birmingham Community Chest, now United Way of Central Alabama.
A Clear View of Community Impact
Suco’s personal experience with United Way began when he co-chaired Coca-Cola UNITED’s internal campaign.
“Seeing firsthand the incredible work these organizations do – and the real lives they impact – was eye-opening,” Suco shared. “It’s one thing to hear about United Way’s work in a presentation, but it’s entirely different to walk into these spaces, meet the people being helped and see the impact up close.”
Over the years, Suco and his family have continued their support, especially through regular donations to the American Red Cross, a United Way partner agency that provides lifesaving blood and platelet donations to patients across the region.
“Whether it’s helping someone through a tough time or providing access to training and resources to move forward in life, the support United Way enables is often life changing.”
Mike Suco Sets the Pace for Real Change
Suco’s path to Pacesetter Chair began with a personal invitation from 2025 Campaign Chair Trey Clegg of Brasfield & Gorrie. Both lead longstanding businesses with deep commitments to the Birmingham community.
As Pacesetter Chair, Mike Suco is focused on building early momentum for United Way’s campaign to meet fundraising goals, ensuring the organization can continue providing critical resources and expand where needed. But he is clear the mission goes beyond dollars.
“I hope our efforts serve as an example to other companies in the community, encouraging them to elevate their support – not just financially, but also through active involvement. If we can inspire more organizations to step up and invest their time and resources, the ripple effect across the community could be truly powerful.”
Mike Suco’s leadership sets the tone for what’s possible when purpose and action come together to support the people of Central Alabama.