United Way of Greenville County has hired Josh Sims to serve as its new Chief Development Officer.

In the role, Sims will provide strategic leadership and oversight of United Way’s annual giving campaigns, major gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations.

Sims comes to United Way with more than 13 years of experience in fundraising, holding frontline and leadership roles at both Furman University and Baylor University. At Furman, Sims served as the Director of Major Gifts and played a vital role in executing The Furman Advantage campaign. Following his time at Furman, he re-joined Baylor University as the Senior Director of Regional Development, where he built a regional team responsible for generating more than $30 million annually. Additionally, he and his team assisted in launching Give Light, The Campaign for Baylor, a $1.1 billion fundraising effort.

Most recently, Sims served as a senior consultant at Plus Delta Partners, where he worked with higher education, healthcare and social service nonprofit organizations to bring discipline and focus to their fundraising approach, primarily through skillset building and individual coaching. He coached more than 125 fundraisers and fundraising leaders during his tenure.

“We are proud to add Josh to the United Way team in this critical role for our organization and this community,” said Meghan Barp, president and CEO of United Way of Greenville County. “His fundraising success rate and experience leading and coaching teams will be a tremendous asset, and will help power our mission to mobilize people and resources to improve lives, strengthen the community, and advance equity for the benefit of all.”

“I’m thrilled to join United Way of Greenville County,” said Sims. “To join an organization rich in mission and momentum is exciting. United Way is poised to bring about transformational good in the days ahead and I’m looking forward to partnering with those in Greenville County who have brought us to this point, in addition to those who have an interest in ushering our mission forward in the future.“

Sims holds a master’s degree from George W. Truett Theological Seminary, an MBA from Clemson University and a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University. He lives in Greenville with his wife, Cara, and their four children.