Michelle Neves Hantman is a first-generation American of Portuguese, Brazilian, and Spanish descent and is fluent in Portuguese. Born, raised, and living in the Southcoast region, she brings deep local knowledge and strong community relationships to her work.
Since 2006, Michelle has served as President & CEO of the United Way of Greater New Bedford, becoming both the first woman and youngest person in this role. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded programs and services, diversified revenue, and become a regional leader in volunteer engagement.
Michelle holds a BS in Mass Communication from Emerson College, a Certificate in Professional Fundraising from Boston University, and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Harvard Business School. She completed the Executive Leadership Development Program through United Way Worldwide (2017) and is a graduate of Leadership Southcoast (2007) and the LEADS Southcoast Fellowship (2025).
Some of her awards include YWCA Women of Distinction (2024) and Leadership Southcoast Distinguished Alumni (2020).
Michelle serves as Chair of the Council of Massachusetts United Ways and as Board Chair of Lifestream, Inc. She is a Corporator of BankFive and also serves on the UMass Dartmouth Leduc Center for Civic Engagement Advisory Board and the Southcoast Health Community Benefits Advisory Council.
A self-proclaimed foodie, Michelle enjoys cooking, hosting family and friends, and traveling in search of memorable culinary and cultural experiences. A fun fact about Michelle - she was an extra in the movie Hocus Pocus (who knew it would become a cult classic?)
Favorite quote:
"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” - Henry Ford
