COLUMBUS, OH / AGILITYPR.NEWS / January 16, 2026 / Alliance of UMCH Family Services and CHOICES Names Alisha Murray, LISW-S, as CEO

COLUMBUS, OH – January 16, 2026 – Two of Ohio’s most trusted social-service agencies — UMCH Family Services of Columbus and CHOICES, Inc. of Dayton — have joined under the new identity United Methodist Children and Families (UMCF). The alliance between these venerable organizations is built to align missions, staff, and resources to expand comprehensive support for youth and families across the region.

Under the UMCF alliance, foster care/services, mental health services, home-based and in-home services, independent living & youth transition services and adoption services will continue, and be strengthened, across Central and Southwest Ohio.

Leading UMCF is Chief Executive Officer Alisha Murray, LISW-S, who brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, social work and program development. Murray previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Daybreak in Dayton, guiding the organization through a period of strategic growth and transformation.

“This alliance is about expanding our capacity to care,” said Murray. “By uniting the strength, expertise and passion of UMCH Family Services and CHOICES, we can reach more children and families in more ways with greater impact than ever before.”

UMCF builds on deep community roots and trusted reputations of both agencies to deliver stronger, accessible programs and services. For community partners and supporters, the new alliance means:

• Consistent collaboration – Partners will continue working with the same trusted teams in Columbus, Dayton, and across regions.
• Expanded capacity – Shared expertise and combined resources enable stronger and more responsive programs and services.
• Unified access – A new website will bring together both agencies as one hub, offering a clear, accessible menu of services available across the region.
• Continued community investment – Donor support and special events will remain dedicated to enriching the lives of children and families.
• Commitment to inclusion – UMCF will continue serving individuals and families from diverse backgrounds with compassion, dignity and respect.

Murray holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Cincinnati, a Master of Applied Behavioral Science (MA) from Wright State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BS) from Athens State University. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervisor Designation (LISW-S).

Her two decades of leadership include roles as CEO and Chief Program Officer at Daybreak, clinician at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center, Adjunct Professor at Wright State University, among other leadership, clinical and academic roles.

Under Murray’s leadership, UMCF will build upon its heritage to expand access, deepen programmatic reach and invest in its team.

“This next chapter is about growth — not just in size, but in mission and momentum,” Murray said. “We will extend our footprint, increase access to services, and ensure that every child and family we serve feels seen, supported and empowered.”

She added, “I invite our community of supporters, staff, partners and friends to walk with us as we build on our legacy and shape our future. Together, we can ensure that every child and family has access to the hope, healing and opportunity they deserve.”

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