History and Leadership

History and Leadership

Throughout our history at UPS, we've found that we grow by investing not only in our business, but also in the communities we serve. This belief drove us to establish The UPS Foundation in 1951 to develop and champion innovative solutions to social problems. 

The UPS Foundation originated with company founder Jim Casey, who said, “It is hoped that the foundation will accomplish good purposes, which will reflect to the benefit and goodwill of the company.” As was Jim’s way, it is a humble, understated expectation that’s been deeply integrated into the core values of the organization.

Tackling Tough Issues

The foundation, which started with our founder’s simple admonition to do good, has become a global philanthropic leader supporting the growth of one of the world’s most respected brands. Each step of the way we have embraced new thinking, tackled tough issues, and created a unique approach to global corporate citizenship. This clarity of purpose and integrity of values, have served as the guiding beacon of The UPS Foundation’s work for more than 55 years. 

Over time, The UPS Foundation has evolved our philanthropic giving to meet the changing needs of communities. We have addressed a variety of issues — shifting from an early focus on health care and education to more recent giving in hunger relief, literacy, and volunteerism. Today, its unique approach to philanthropy through our new focus areas impacts communities around the world and supports the committed engagement of over 400,000 UPSers.  

A Reflection of Our People

UPS has a history of promoting from within the organization. It’s what helps create well-rounded managers and sustains our unique culture and our service-mindedness. Within The UPS Foundation, we make no exception. The staff of The Foundation is a reflection of UPSers around the globe, with experience from operations and staff functions across the company.

The UPS Foundation is a separate legal entity from the UPS with its own Board of Trustees and is funded through annual contributions from the company’s profits. The Board of Trustees meets quarterly to review programs, approve grants and provide strategic direction. 

The Foundation has received tax-exempt status under section 501 (c) (3) IRS tax code. The Foundation’s staff is responsible for upholding the by-laws under which we are governed. The UPS Foundation is occasionally audited and can lose its tax-exempt status like any other non-profit organization if it is found to not operate properly.

Board of Trustees

Members of The Foundation’s Board of Trustees also serve on the UPS Management Committee. They are:


  • Christine Owens

    Christine Owens

    Christine M. Owens, Senior Vice President, Communications and Brand Management.

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  • Teri McClure

    Teri McClure

    Terri Plummer McClure, Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary.

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  • D. Scott Davis

    D. Scott Davis

    D. Scott Davis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

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  • David Abney

    David Abney

    David Abney, Chief Operating Officer.

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  • Kurt Kuehn

    Kurt Kuehn

    Kurt Kuehn, Chief Financial Officer.

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  • Allen Hill

    Allen Hill

    Allen E. Hill, Senior Vice President, Human Resources.

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Ken Sternad, President of The UPS Foundation

Ken Sternad, President of The UPS Foundation

As president of The UPS Foundation, Ken Sternad is responsible for its global philanthropic initiatives, which totaled more than $100 million in 2008. He manages volunteer programs, grants, education initiatives, relationships with diversity partners and disaster response activities. Sternad also focuses on leveraging UPS’s financial, intellectual and physical assets to support organizations and programs that address community safety, nonprofit effectiveness, economic and global literacy, environmental sustainability and diversity.

A native of Norwalk, CT, Sternad received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from Ohio Wesleyan University and did graduate work in corporate and political communications at Fairfield University.

Sternad previously served as vice president of Public Relations for UPS, directing all media relations, reputation management, executive communications, financial communications and marketing public relations activities for the company worldwide.

After working as a daily newspaper reporter, Sternad began his UPS career in 1977 as a Communications supervisor. He was promoted to Public Relations manager in 1982 and to director of Media Relations in 1985. After managing UPS package delivery operations in Baltimore, Md. for two years, Sternad was named to head the Public Relations department in 1990.

In keeping with UPS’s long-standing commitment to the community, Sternad serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Foundation for American Communications and as an alumni representative and chairman of the class Annual Fund for Ohio Wesleyan University. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Arthur Page Society and as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America.

Sternad resides with his wife Judy in Norcross, GA. They have three children.

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