United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) announced that Lal Karsanbhai, President and CEO of Emerson, and Andrew Davidson, Managing Partner for KPMG’s St. Louis Office, will serve as chair and co-chair of its 2025 annual community campaign.
“For over a century, United Way has positively contributed to the overall health and vitality of the St. Louis region, and I am honored to be a part of its efforts to continue building strong, resilient communities where everyone can thrive,” said Karsanbhai. “As United Way’s campaign chair, I hope to garner engagement and support for United Way’s ability to accelerate immediate and long-lasting impact on our region with the help of generous local individuals, companies, unions and foundations.”
Last year, UWGSL reached an incredible milestone — over $3 billion raised to benefit our local community throughout its 102-year history! The 2024 Community Campaign raised nearly $58 million of over $67 million invested in strengthening the St. Louis region last year.
Each year, UWGSL positively impacts over 1 million people across Missouri and Illinois – helping 1 in 3 individuals across 16 counties. UWGSL funding ensures that 160 local nonprofits continue providing vital services to those in need. These partner nonprofits help UWGSL address immediate needs like food, shelter, and transportation, as well as long-term solutions such as education, job training, and counseling.
“United Way’s mission to help people live their best possible lives is impactful and inspiring and that is why I am proud to be a part of their campaign as co-chair,” said Davidson. “United Way’s efforts to support local individuals and families stabilize our St. Louis region. Support for United Way ensures needs are met and communities are strong, and I look forward to communicating that sentiment with potential donors.”
In addition to funding its health and human service partners, UWGSL manages the region’s largest Volunteer Center which has been connecting individuals with causes that ignite their desire to give back for almost a century.
Also, 211 Powered by UWGSL serves as the region’s essential connection to thousands of nonprofit partners, programs, and services. United Way 211 is a public information tool designed to connect individuals to available resources and support 24/7.
“There is so much excitement building at United Way for our upcoming campaign and the addition of Lal and Andrew as chairs has increased our enthusiasm to unite thousands of people behind our efforts to make a collective impact this campaign season,” said Michelle D. Tucker, President and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “People helping people is a powerful principle and it is what our campaign is built on. Each year, we see the power of united impact, and together, we can create a strong foundation for our region now and generations to come.”
About Lal Karsanbhai
Lal Karsanbhai is President and Chief Executive Officer of Emerson, the $17.5 billion global industrial technology leader based in St. Louis. Under his leadership, the company is delivering advanced automation solutions that drive transformational outcomes.
Karsanbhai began his career at Emerson in 1995 as an international planner. Over the course of the past 30 years, he has held numerous business development and executive-level positions before being appointed President and CEO in 2021.
Karsanbhai currently serves as the Deputy Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and sits on the boards of Merck, the US-China Business Council and Greater St. Louis, Inc. He is also a member of Business Roundtable, the Regional Business Council of St. Louis and the Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), Olin Business School National Council. In 2023, Karsanbhai was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award at WashU, Olin Business School. Karsanbhai is fluent in Portuguese, French and English and has lived and worked in Europe, Africa and North America.
About Andrew Davidson
As the Office Managing Partner for KPMG’s St. Louis office, Andrew Davidson leads the people, market, and branding for the 425 St. Louis employees and partners.
Andrew has a passion for the firm and its people and has over 29 years of experience at KPMG serving both private and public companies. Andrew’s accomplishments include serving as a national resource for KPMG’s audit methodology as well as a national instructor for the firm’s engagement seniors, managers, and partners regarding audit methodology and various technical matters.
Andrew is a current board member and vice-chairman for the CEOs Against Cancer, Greater St. Louis, Inc., a board member for The St. Louis Regional Business Council, a board member and executive committee member for the St. Louis Sports Commission, and a board member for United Way of Greater St. Louis. Andrew is also a former board member for Southern Illinois University – Carbondale School of Accounting as well as St. Louis Children’s Hospital Development Board. Additionally, he previously served as Chairman of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Illinois and as Vice-Chair of the O’Fallon, IL City Planning Commission.
About United Way of Greater St. Louis
United Way of Greater St. Louis unites people, resources, and funding to help build strong and equitable communities across a 16-county region in Missouri and Illinois. United Way’s impact on the community includes equipping over 160 local nonprofits with vital funding and training resources, operating the largest Volunteer Center in the region, and connecting local neighbors to providers of services through its 211 Helpline. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit www.HelpingPeople.org.
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