Ellyn Grady: M.P.A., 1992The College of Arts and Sciences annual alumni awards highlight the diverse talents, professional accomplishments, and community service of our alumni. The Alumni Service Award honors alumni who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the local, national, or global community.

Ellyn Grady has over thirty years of successful experience in public administration, youth development, and community education. Trained in the performing arts, special education, adult instruction, and community planning, she retired from her position as Senior Vice President of Resource Development at the United Way of Central Alabama in 2019.

While at the United Way, Grady directed the Agency Impact Department and in 2009, was named Senior Vice President overseeing their annual campaign, which raised more than $38 million.

Prior to 2002, Grady was the Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Central Alabama, a youth development organization that provides programs for more than 7,000 inner-city girls. Before moving to Birmingham in 1989, she managed one of the nation's largest community education programs in Fairfax County, Virginia.

She holds a degree in drama and speech from Furman University, continuing education course work from George Mason University and the University of South Carolina, and a Master of Public Administration degree from UAB.

Grady served as a council member of the MPA alumni and president of the United Way Executive Director’s Council. She is also a member and past board member of the Rotary Club of Birmingham, past president of The Women’s Network, and a Paul Harris Fellow.