United Way of Greater Cincinnati has named three couples as recipients of its 2025 Tocqueville Award, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the community and long-standing support for the organization’s mission of advancing economic well-being for all.
This year’s honorees are Archie and Sharen Brown, George and Kim Vincent, and Jim and Alison Zimmerman.
The couples are longtime members of United Way’s Tocqueville Society – a network of philanthropic leaders and volunteer champions who contribute $10,000 or more annually to address the region’s most pressing challenges.
Details about the honorees are below.
“We are grateful to have successful leaders and advocates like the Browns, Vincents and Zimmermans among our supporters,” said Moira Weir, United Way president and CEO. “Their belief in the power of community and collective action makes Greater Cincinnati a stronger, more resilient place to live and work.”
Each year, United Way honors select members for extraordinary leadership and generosity. The 2025 Tocqueville Award recipients received in-person recognition at a celebration on May 29.
The event also paid tribute to longtime supporter Francie G. Pepper, who, with her husband, John, was a pillar of the organization for decades. The Peppers have contributed $4 million to United Way’s Roundtable, making them the organization’s only couple to reach that milestone.
United Way also recognized presenting sponsor The Christ Hospital Health Network for its continued support of Tocqueville Society events throughout the year.
2025 Tocqueville Award winners
Archie and Sharen Brown
The Browns draw strength from their faith and dedicate themselves to uplifting others.
Archie Brown, president and CEO of First Financial Bank, led United Way’s 2019 campaign, which raised $50 million. In 2024, First Financial ranked fourth in total giving among United Way’s corporate campaigns.
“We live here. We raised our kids here. We want this to be a fabulous community,” Archie said. “And we’ve got to lift up areas that need help.”
George and Kim Vincent
George Vincent, former managing partner at Dinsmore, is the board chair-elect for United Way. Kim, a senior sales vice president at Sibcy Cline, chaired the organization’s Day of Action during its 100-year anniversary.
Together, they’ve supported United Way for decades and served in leadership roles for other community organizations.
“The more I get involved, the more I get out of it,” Kim said. “Just seeing the changes in people’s lives and in the organizations we work with. It’s wonderful to see.”
Jim and Alison Zimmerman
Jim Zimmerman, former chairman of Federated Department Stores (now Macy’s), played a key role in founding Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) and drove momentum for United Way’s Success By 6® initiative.
“That was the core area that lit my fire,” he said. “I became personally and deeply and aggressively involved.”
Alison Zimmerman has long advocated for youth education, serving on the board of Families Forward and now Learning Grove, following their 2023 merger.
Discover more from Movers & Makers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.