United Way of Greenville County has hired Meghan Barp of Greater Twin Cities United Way in Minneapolis/St. Paul to serve as the organization’s next president and CEO.

United Way Board Chairman Michael Cinquemani announced Barp’s hire at a news conference Wednesday morning alongside United Way staff, volunteers, partners and other community leaders.

“After an extensive search that included more than 900 initial candidates, we are thrilled to welcome Meghan Barp to United Way of Greenville County,” said Cinquemani. “Meghan is a dynamic, innovative leader with a stellar track record of developing and implementing impactful community initiatives. We are excited to have her leadership in Greenville County and for our community to get to know her.”

Barp, who has worked for the past five years as the senior vice president for community impact at one of the largest United Ways in the country, was selected after a six-month national search to fill the role left vacant by the retirement of Ted Hendry in December.

Dick Wilkerson, United Way board member and retired president of Michelin North America, led the search process along with a committee of volunteers and community partners.

“We started the recruitment process by setting a very high bar for potential candidates,” said Wilkerson. “Our United Way deserves a blue-chip prospect and I’m proud to say we found that with Meghan Barp. She is a true servant leader, both visionary and collaborative, and we know she is the right person to lead our United Way into the future.”

Prior to joining United Way, Barp served as the Director of Teaching and Learning for FEGS Health and Human Services in New York, N.Y., a $350 million nonprofit. She also served as senior director for the YWCA of the City of New York. Barp graduated from the University of Nebraska and has a master’s degree from Oregon State University.

“I’m delighted to join the United Way of Greenville County team,” said Barp. “United Ways play such a crucial role in our communities, and it is clear to me that United Way of Greenville County is paving the way in ensuring that all residents of this community thrive. I look forward to partnering with the board, the team and the community to continue to offer cutting edge solutions to our most challenging opportunities.”

Barp will begin her tenure as president and CEO in February.