CINCINNATI (June 3, 2025) – United Way of Greater Cincinnati is pleased to recognize the generosity and commitment of its 2025 Tocqueville Award recipients. This year three couples were honored for their philanthropic contributions:
- Archie and Sharen Brown
- George and Kim Vincent
- Jim and Alison Zimmerman
Their dedication and support play a vital role in advancing United Way’s mission — empowering everyone in our region to achieve economic well-being. Tocqueville Society members are among United Way’s most generous donors, and each year we recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions.
“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.”
The 2025 Tocqueville Award winners were honored during a celebration on Thursday, May 29. Additionally, United Way paid tribute to the life and legacy of longtime supporter Francie G. Pepper. Together with her husband, John, Francie was a pillar of the organization for decades. The Peppers are United Way’s only $4 million Roundtable couple — a testament to their generosity and commitment to building a brighter future for our community.
United Way is grateful to presenting sponsor The Christ Hospital Health Network for supporting Tocqueville events throughout the year.
Meet Our 2025 Tocqueville Honorees
Archie and Sharen Brown
Guided by their strong spiritual foundation, Archie and Sharen have dedicated their lives to serving and uplifting those around them. “We live here. We raised our kids here. We want this to be a fabulous community, said Archie, who is President and CEO of First Financial Bank. “And we’ve got to lift up areas that need help.” Archie led United Way’s campaign in 2019, which raised $50 million. In 2024, First Financial ranked No. 4 among United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s corporate campaigns in total giving – behind only three companies many times its size.
George and Kim Vincent
George, a former Managing Partner at Dinsmore, is United Way Board Chair-elect. He and his wife, Kim, now a Realtor and Senior Sales Vice President at Sibcy Cline, have supported United Way for decades. George has worked on multiple United Way campaigns, and when the organization marked its 100-year anniversary, Kim chaired the Day of Action celebration. The Vincents are also champions for many other community organizations, serving as board members and leading committees. “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
The Zimmermans commitment to early childhood education and their decades of support for United Way have transformed countless lives in Greater Cincinnati. Jim was Chairman of Federated Department Stores (which became Macy’s) when he helped found Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC). He’s also a passionate supporter of early childhood education and helped fuel United Way’s Success By 6® movement. “That was the core area that lit my fire,” he said. “I became personally and deeply and aggressively involved.” Alison, too, has long championed youth education. For many years she was on the board of United Way partner Families Forward, which merged in 2023 with United Way partner Learning Grove, where she continues to serve.
