United Helpers Leadership Through the Years

By Benny Fairchild

While United Helpers has only had four CEOs in its 125 year history, that number is misleading as the organization did not officially have a Chief Executive Officer until 1982.

Our first two CEOs Robert W. Russell and John Turongian

According to an issue of The Journal dated Jan. 27, 1982, it was on Jan. 26, 1982, when Robert W. Russell was named the company’s first CEO. Prior to earning that title, he had served as “Superintendent” since 1965. 

Mr. Russell served as CEO from 1982 through 1990 when he would retire, and John Turongian would assume the role of CEO.

Mr. Turongian served in the role for 19 years until Stephen E. Knight became CEO in 2009.

Mr. Knight was followed by the company’s current CEO Todd R. Amo, who became the Chief Executive following Mr. Knight’s retirement in 2021.

Stephen E. Knight

According to a historical document created to celebrate the organization’s 100^th anniversary, the home’s original leaders were initially referred to as “Matrons.” It is unclear when the title of Matron was changed to superintendent, however that may have happened in 1942 when Rev. C.E. Kennedy became the company’s first male leader, 17 years before a man was elected to the Society’s board of directors.

The organization’s first leader famously was Alzina M. Milligan. Mrs. Milligan held the role from the company’s creation in 1898 through 1913. She was followed by L.E. Osborne, who held the role through 1917 and Susan B. Lott, who served from 1917-1919.

Following Ms. Lott was Martha M. Kezar, who served from 1919 through 1928, Margaraet M. Starratt, who served until 1933 and Loy J. Savage, who served until 1941.

Rev. Kennedy served for four years until 1946. He was followed by another man, Lawrence Savercool, who served until 1952 and Charles Jones, who served from 1952 through 1963.

Two more women would lead the organization with Shirley Boeheim handling those duties for a portion of 1963 and Elizabeth W. Buck leading the way from 1963 through 1965.

It was at that point when Mr. Russell assumed leadership duties and the longest tenure of organizational leadership commenced.

Current CEO Todd R. Amo