By: Marseil Jackson, The Dream Center
In today’s fast-paced world, nonprofit organization CEOs face the unique challenge of balancing their communities’ needs with effective resource management. Bishop David Todd Whittley, Chief Executive Officer of United for Better Living, has mastered this balancing act. Combining his faith-driven mission with a strategic approach to leadership, Bishop Whittley has spent the past 20 years turning his community-focused organization into a catalyst for change on Chicago’s West Side.
United for Better Living, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by his grandfather, Bishop Bennie L. Allison, oversees several projects aimed at improving the social, economic, and spiritual well-being of underserved residents. Under Bishop Whittley’s leadership, the organization has expanded its footprint, addressing issues such as affordable housing, education, and community services. His dual role as a spiritual leader and nonprofit CEO allows him to integrate a mission of service with a keen eye for operational excellence and community impact.
Leading with Purpose: A Legacy of Nonprofit Leadership
When Bishop Whittley became pastor of Corinthian Temple Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in 2004, he took on the mantle of spiritual leadership and inherited a nonprofit organization with immense potential. United for Better Living, founded by his grandfather to serve Chicago’s West Side, already had a strong foundation. However, Bishop Whittley’s vision has since propelled it into new areas of growth, focusing on sustainable community development projects and critical social services.
As the CEO of a nonprofit, Bishop Whittley’s leadership goes beyond spiritual guidance. It involves strategic planning, managing resources, and forging partnerships to ensure the success of long-term projects like CARE Manor, a $31 million affordable housing development. His ability to lead with both heart and mind has made him an effective CEO who understands that nonprofit organizations must be run with the same precision and focus as businesses.
CARE Manor: A $31 Million Nonprofit Milestone
CARE Manor is one of United for Better Living’s most ambitious projects yet. With a $31 million investment and partial funding from the Housing Equity Development (HED) bond announced by Mayor Brandon Johnson, CARE Manor will provide 44 units of affordable housing in West Garfield Park, addressing the critical need for safe and accessible homes. For Bishop Whittley, this project is a manifestation of the nonprofit’s mission to support underserved communities by providing the resources necessary for stability and growth.
Turning Closed Schools into Opportunity: The CARE Center
In 2013, when Chicago Public Schools closed several schools, including Marconi Elementary in West Garfield Park, Bishop Whittley saw an opportunity to further the mission of United for Better Living. Where others saw a disused building, he saw a chance to expand community services. Through a strategic investment, United for Better Living purchased the old school building and repurposed it into The CARE Center, a multipurpose facility that now serves as a hub for community resources.
The CARE Center offers everything from job training and health services to youth programs and family support. Under Bishop Whittley’s leadership, the nonprofit has transformed a once-abandoned building into a thriving community space that helps thousands of residents access critical services.
Bishop Whittley’s ability to mobilize resources and repurpose existing structures is a testament to his skills as a nonprofit leader. It shows that mission-driven organizations can be innovative and impactful.
Balancing Faith, Family, and Leadership
Being a nonprofit CEO isn’t just about making strategic decisions; it’s about balancing a myriad of responsibilities. For Bishop Whittley, this balance includes his faith, his leadership of United for Better Living, and his dedication to his family. His wife of 25 years, Dr. Chandra Whittley, and their two children, David Jonathan and Sydney Nicole, have been a cornerstone of his success.
Dr. Chandra has supported Bishop Whittley’s work at United for Better Living, helping him manage the demands of running a nonprofit while maintaining a strong family foundation. Together, the Whittley family exemplifies the balance between leadership, service, and personal fulfillment.
A Vision for the Future of Nonprofit Leadership
As Bishop Whittley celebrates 20 years of leadership, his story is a powerful example of how nonprofit CEOs can drive change through compassion, effective management, and strategic thinking. His approach to leadership emphasizes the importance of running a nonprofit with the same rigor and dedication as a business but with a mission at its core that seeks to uplift and empower.
As the CEO of United for Better Living, Bishop Whittley has demonstrated that leadership in the nonprofit sector can be both impactful and sustainable. Through projects like CARE Manor and The CARE Center, he has shown that nonprofits can lead large-scale developments and make long-term changes in communities. As he looks toward the future, his vision for United for Better Living remains clear: continue to serve, build, and lead with faith and purpose.
Published By: Aize Perez
