New on the Job: John J. Dooner Jr., Chairman of the Board, United Way Worldwide

Background: Mr. Dooner is chairman of McCann Worldgroup, a marketing and communications organization that operates in more than 125 countries. He started his career in advertising in 1970, and served in a number of positions in the advertising, marketing, and communications industry before going on to form McCann Worldgroup in 1997. He stepped down as the company’s CEO this month, but will says he’ll remain active as its chairman.

United Way service: Mr. Dooner has served on the board of the United Way of America for the past two years. He previously served on the boards of local United Ways.

Education: Mr. Dooner earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from St. Thomas University, in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Why he was selected: “John has the ability to articulate what he’d call a strategic platform for an organization, as we transition from a fund-raising organization to a social-change organization,” says Brian Gallagher, United Way’s president and chief executive. Mr. Gallagher says that Mr. Dooner played a key role in shaping United Way Worldwide, which was created last year by merging United Way America with its affiliates around the world, and is behind the United Way’s Live United advertising campaign.

His agenda: Mr. Dooner says he wants to help build “a common identity, common call to action, and common sense of accountability and responsibility” among the 45 countries and territories that are now part of United Way Worldwide. Doing so, he says, will create a powerful brand, and “in the charity world,” he says, “a powerful brand equals more impact.”

What he brings from the business world: “I’ve created companies and taken them global,” he says. “That experience tells you what works and what doesn’t and reminds you that you have to be sensitive to local cultural needs at the same time you are advancing a common good and working toward a global vision.”