When a community is in crisis, it looks to those who can lead with clarity and conviction. Marissa Christie, president and chief executive officer of United Way of Bucks County, has emerged as that voice of strength. In recent years, she has guided the organization through remarkable expansion, helping it become the region’s foremost responder in food aid and essential services. By raising more than $2.3 million for fresh grocery delivery and advancing social service solutions during turbulent times, she has redefined what impactful leadership looks like.
Christie began not with a roadmap, but with resolve. She inherited an organization in need of structural renewal and transformed it through vision, grit and values-based leadership. Her journey wasn’t about preserving what existed—it was about building something new. She created a mission-driven culture where trust, equity and community investment are not buzzwords but lived commitments. It’s that courageous approach that distinguishes her as a 2025 Titan 100 Honoree.
For Christie, the future of work isn’t a distant challenge—it’s an active priority. She has introduced agile systems, advanced training and data-informed strategies that allow her team to respond faster and smarter. By encouraging her staff to pursue innovative solutions, she equips them with the tools to anticipate change rather than simply react to it.
Her own passion is continuously reignited by the people she serves and the ripple effects of community impact. Christie brings others into that vision by sharing meaningful stories and creating space for open collaboration. Her energy is contagious, grounded in a belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive—and that collective action makes that possible.
If she could master any skill in an instant, Christie would choose to become a polyglot. Language, for her, is a bridge to deeper connection. She’s driven by a desire to meet people where they are, especially in times of need. Being able to communicate in multiple languages would expand her ability to serve, learn and travel with intention—something she values deeply in both her professional and personal life.
Christie’s rise within the organization is rooted in a relentless pursuit of excellence. She took the reins during a time of change and has since launched new initiatives, secured landmark investments and emerged as a respected voice in national nonprofit circles. While the honors, programs and partnerships are many, her greatest pride lies in building a workplace that uplifts its people and strengthens its community.
The next five years for United Way of Bucks County will be defined by deeper equity work and an unshakable readiness to serve—whether in response to a natural disaster or a systemic challenge. Christie is determined to fortify the organization’s core while pushing its mission further than ever before.
Christie isn’t just leading an organization; she’s shifting paradigms in the nonprofit world. Her strategic insight, empathy and ability to deliver results make her a standout among peers—and a true Titan of industry.
