After seven years at the helm, Andrew Lockie will be leaving his role as CEO of United Way London & Middlesex, to become the CEO of the YMCA of Western Ontario.

His departure is effective May 12.

During Lockie's tenure at United Way he led a process to produce clear measurable outcomes and results for the community. He has also provided community level leadership as the co-champion of the Community Health Collaborative and member of the Mayor’s Advisory Panel on Poverty.

Under Lockie's leadership, annual fundraising increased from $7.3 million to $9.1 million, despite the closure of several large manufacturing plants that had long supported United Way.

This past campaign was a difficult one for the local United Way, which asked for more help in January from the public. In the end, the campaign met it's goal of $9.1 million.

In addition to his local work, Lockie contributed to several United Way national and international initiatives.

Members of the United Way’s board of directors say Lockie will be missed, but they are pleased he will remain in London and continue to lead community development in his new role.

Lockie says he is confident that the United Way is well positioned for continued success thanks to its talented staff and volunteers. “I will forever remain a supporter of the enormously important work United Way does to support our community,” he said in a news release.

“And I feel fortunate that I can continue to support United Way’s vision of building a community where everyone matters in my new role at the YMCA of Western Ontario."

The board of directors will work alongside Lockie to recruit a new CEO.