Board Member Bios
Click on a name to be taken to individual member bios.
Dick Aft, Board Member Emeritus
Deborah Bayle
Keith Barsuhn
Paul DeBassio, Chair
Ann Fox, Chair Elect
David Nicole
Kiran Handa Gaudioso
Paula S. Gilberto
DJ Hampton II, Treasurer
Neil Parekh
Dona Ponepinto
Rodney Prunty
Rob Reifsnyder
Ed Rivera, Immediate Past Chair
Darlene Slaughter
Kerri Strauss, Secretary
Terry Tolan
Jeffrey Wilcox
Jim Yu
Deborah Bayle
Keith Barsuhn
Paul DeBassio, Chair
Ann Fox, Chair Elect
David Nicole
Kiran Handa Gaudioso
Paula S. Gilberto
DJ Hampton II, Treasurer
Neil Parekh
Dona Ponepinto
Rodney Prunty
Rob Reifsnyder
Ed Rivera, Immediate Past Chair
Darlene Slaughter
Kerri Strauss, Secretary
Terry Tolan
Jeffrey Wilcox
Jim Yu
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Dick Aft, Board Member Emeritus Following a 40-year United Way career during which Dick raised over a billion dollars to support local non-profit human services, he earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership & Development. Since then, he has served as an interim United Way CEO and mentor, and he has tried to use the things he has experienced and learned. These include coaching new presidents of colleges and universities as sole proprietor of Philanthropic Leadership. Serving as a volunteer board officer of a score of organizations, currently: the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Cincinnati College Conservatory, Hoxworth Blood Center, the American National Classical Music Hall of Fame, and as Past Chairman and an emeritus board member of United Way NEXT. Teaching Values-Based Management [ethics] to Xavier University MBA students for 10 years. Spending 10 years “Of Counsel” with Gilman Partners Executive Search specializing in filling non-profit CEO positions. Serving as a historian for the 130-year-old United Way movement. [Four books, 25 webinars, and over 70 articles published to date.] Voluntarily helping Greater Cincinnati non-profit organizations strategically identify and recruit board members. With my wife Mary Lu, I’ve made dozens of foundation-funded trips abroad to coach government, business, and volunteer leaders on the establishment and oversight of health and social service organizations. Many of these trips have been as representatives of the former United Way International. Two of our three sons and one daughter-in-law are former United Way CEOs. Together, we have been United Way execs for over 100 years. |
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Deborah Bayle Deborah Bayle had a successful 40-year career as a professional in the nonprofit sector. For 20 of those years, she served in the CEO position. She served as President and CEO of United Way of Salt Lake (UWSL) for 16 years, until late 2015, where she led the organization through a dramatic transformation of its vision, mission, and business model; going from a traditional United Way to an organization dedicated to results-driven community change. Before her tenure at UWSL, Deborah served as CEO of the Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. She also served on the staff of the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce for 20 years, where she rose to the position of Chief Operating Officer. She is committed to community service and currently spends much of her time serving on corporate and nonprofit boards. She is the Chair of the Board of Directors of Altabank, a position she was elected to in 2021. She is the Past Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Corporate Directors, Utah Chapter, and currently serves as a member of the Executive Committee and as Nominating/Governance Committee Chair. She is a Past Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Alumni Association for United Way professionals, United Way NEXT. Deborah is a trustee of The Mark and Kathie Miller Foundation and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah. She is a member of the Utah Chapter of the International Women’s Forum. When Deborah retired as CEO of United Way of Salt Lake, the Board of Directors named a scholarship program in her name to honor her service to the organization. She chairs the Deborah S. Bayle Scholarships for Youth, which provides four-year college scholarships to at-risk youth who have been impacted by the work of UWSL. To date, this program has provided scholarships to more than 75 deserving students. Deborah serves as a consultant with DSB Consulting, LLC, where she works in the areas of executive coaching, professional development, organizational management, and change strategy. Throughout her career, Deborah has served on more than 30 corporate and nonprofit boards and has been recognized with more than 20 awards. She has two children and is a doting Grammy to three grandchildren. |
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Keith Barsuhn Keith Barsuhn has a career with United Way spanning 40+ years, including 15 years as President/CEO, leading success in fundraising, marketing, community leadership, and strategic transformation. Keith is a graduate of UWW’s Advanced Leadership Program, Center for Creative Leadership’s Flagship Leadership program, and Third Sector Company’s Interim Executive Academy. Recently, Keith served in interim executive roles for United Way NEXT, New York State, and Bay Area, CA leading business model changes, increasing revenue, enhancing services, and hiring new leadership. Currently, Keith serves as the Interim CEO for the UW of Lake and Sumter Counties in Leesburg, FL where he and his wife Gloria enjoy the snowbird life in The Villages. Something personal about Keith: He is an active tennis player, practices yoga, cycling, and golf. He enjoys cooking and home landscaping. Married 37 years to Gloria and together they have one son, Sasha who graduates this spring from the University of South Carolina. |
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Paul DeBassio, Chair Paul DeBassio is a retired United Way network executive with 20 years of United Way leadership experience. Paul has served United Way at the local, national, and global levels. After serving 12 years at United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley as Chief Development Officer, Paul served 5 years at United Way Worldwide first as VP, US Network Engagement & Performance and then as EVP, Chief Investor Relations Officer. He wrapped up his United Way career serving his local United Way, Granite United Way as Chief Development Officer from June 2018 – August 2020. Paul’s professional United Way focus has always been on driving performance through building strong relationships with key stakeholders, implementing change management, advocating for community impact, and creating collaborative environments that empower staff and volunteers to actively engage in strategic planning and implementation. He has continued his passion for community change, and the need for United Way to change in today’s environment, with contract assignments supporting local United Ways in strategic planning, implementation, and execution, as well as Executive Coaching and leadership training. Before joining United Way, Paul spent 13 years in for-profit sales and sales management. Most notably, he was New England/New York Region Manager for Chattem Consumer Products from 1989 – 2000. While at Chattem Paul's sales volume increased from $3,000,000 to $18,700,000 and was nationally recognized multiple times as Regional Manager of the Year, National Salesperson of the Year, and #1 sales vs. quota. Paul is a 1987 graduate of The Carroll School of Management at Boston College. He met his wife Sue while at Boston College and they have been married for 36 years. An avid hiker, skier, and kayaker Paul and Sue now live on Newfound Lake, just 2.3 miles from their son Joey and his wife Bri. Outside of continued contract work, Paul serves as a 2025 Board Chair of United Way NEXT; Board Member of Granite United Way, President of Newfound Sands Condo Association, President of Pasquaney Snowshoe Club, VITA tax preparer at Whole Village, Appalachian Mountain Club trail maintenance volunteer and a member of Plymouth State University’s Business Advisory Board. |
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Ann Fox, Chair Elect Ann Fox has held several national leadership positions at United Way, the American Red Cross, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America focusing on major gifts, principal gifts and planned giving Development. Most recently she transitioned to serving as a senior advisor to the Chief Development Officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) working on a special affiliate revenue-sharing program in support of the Federation’s priority of advancing health equity. In addition to this project, she is also consulting with United Way of Berks County on its 100th Anniversary celebration. Something personal about Ann: When she is not working, Ann enjoys downhill skiing, kayaking, hiking, and spending time with her husband Bob, and their golden retrievers, Woodrow and Wilson |
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David Nicole
David Nicole is driven by his passion for community and for organizations to be effective in their service to the community. After almost 20 years in the United Way network, he founded Headwinds Consulting, an organization focused on helping nonprofit organizations best serve their clients and their community. David began his United Way career in Charleston, SC, where he was responsible for increasing fundraising each year for 14 years. Leading a team of professional fundraisers, he was responsible for raising more than $100,000,000 from the community and for the community. In 2014, David had the opportunity to serve his hometown, Fort Wayne, Indiana, as the President & CEO of United Way of Allen County. Within 24 months, the organization moved from a $1M deficit to positive net income and doubled its major donors. Within 4 years, the number of volunteers increased by more than 50%, the individuals engaged digitally more than doubled, and the organization's Net Promoter Score increased from 6 to 42. Since founding Headwinds Consulting, David has worked with more than 25 different organizations (12 being local United Ways) across the country. In addition to supporting strategic planning, board development, and fundraising efforts, he spends the majority of his time providing interim leadership as an Interim CEO or Interim CDO to organizations in transition. David has a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from the University of Akron and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. He is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and a Certified Interim Executive. He was named 40 under 40 by Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly. He is a sought after presenter and speaker having presented at national conferences, universities, civic clubs, and corporate engagements. David enjoys spending time with his family, the outdoors, and engaging in his local community. He currently serves on the Steering Committee of Fort Wayne UNITED, on the United Front Work Group, on the National United Way Interim Executives Roundtable, United Way NEXT Board of Directors and DEIB Strategy Team, and on his neighborhood association Board of Directors. |
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Kiran Handa Gaudioso Kiran Handa Gaudioso is the Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Northern New Jersey and president of United For ALICE. She has overseen strategic planning for how the organization fulfills its mission of improving life for ALICE and those in poverty at the local, state, and national level including, United for ALICE. This national research-based initiative provides an accurate study of households that earn above the poverty level, but less than a basic cost of living. During the pandemic, she led the establishment of the ALICE Recovery Fund and the creation of an innovative childcare pilot, United in Care. She was asked by Governor Murphy to co-chair the Third Sector Advisory Council to work with public sector leaders across the state to develop relief, recovery, and re-imagine strategies to support ALICE. Before joining United Way, Kiran served as interim CEO and vice president of Program Operations at New Jersey After 3, the public-private partnership that worked to provide safe, quality after-school and expanded learning time programs for 15,000 public school students in New Jersey. Kiran developed programmatic and operational management expertise while serving as director of Mentoring, Volunteerism & Enrichment Programs at Sponsor For Educational Opportunity in New York City. There, she led the development of a mentoring program designed to help New York City teens reach their academic, personal, and career potential. Early in her career, as a policy adviser under former Governor James Florio, Kiran was instrumental in establishing AmeriCorps in New Jersey. Kiran received her B.A. in political science and policy studies from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. She received a fellowship to attend The Eagleton Institute of Public Politics at Rutgers University, earning her M.A. in political science. She is a lifelong resident of New Jersey where she and her husband have lived for 30 years raising their two children. |
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Paula S. Gilberto Paula S. Gilberto has 44 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She capped a 24-year career with United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, retiring in March 2022 as its President and CEO. Prior to that, she served in various Chapter and Blood Services management positions with the American Red Cross, Connecticut Region. Paula’s career has included building public/private partnerships to further student achievement, economic mobility, and workforce development. She also held leadership roles in strategic planning, fundraising, and organizational development, as well as developing and replicating education and financial security initiatives regionally and nationally. Paula is a founding member of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut’s Women United and Women of Tocqueville, the latter of which she co-chairs. She serves on the board of directors of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, the American Savings Foundation, Connecticut Voices for Children, and the YWCA New Britain. She is also an Election Monitor, State of Connecticut; Farmington Food Pantry volunteer; and a member of the National Organization for Italian American Women. Paula holds a Master of Science in Organizational Behavior from the University of Hartford and a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Psychology from the University of Bridgeport. She is also a Family Strengthening for Success Fellow from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. |
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DJ Hampton II, Treasurer David “D.J.” Hampton II joined Trident United Way as president and chief executive officer in April 2023. Hampton has held critical leadership roles at some of the largest nonprofits in the U.S., including over two decades within the United Way Network, having personally developed over $50 Million in planned gifts, led teams supporting over $1.2 Billion in annual individual giving and helped launch over $1 Billion in initiative and endowment campaigns. After United Way, Hampton led development for The ALS Association and worked to increase system-wide revenue 40% over three years following the Ice Bucket Challenge. He also served as the senior vice president of market leadership and chief development officer for March of Dimes where he drove transformation, grew $130 million in annual revenue and led over 300 staff. Most recently, Hampton founded and led ALoDay Consulting, where he advised and supported a variety of nonprofits globally. Hampton earned a Master’s in nonprofit management from Alfred University, a J.D. from the David A. Clarke School of Law, and is a member of the D.C. Bar. Hampton met his wife Allison while both were working at a United Way in Birmingham, Alabama. They share a passion for philanthropy and extensive United Way experience. In fact, they consider themselves a United Way family and often say that the United Way tagline, “LIVE UNITED”, was the unofficial theme at their wedding, as their nuptials made the slogan a reality. Hampton, his wife, and their two daughters relocated to the Tri-County area from Virginia. Look for him around town riding his Vespa or hosting a movie night with his kids. |
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Neil Parekh Neil Parekh has been part of the United Way family since 2011. He served as the VP of Marketing and Communications at United Way of Snohomish County in Everett, Washington, for four years; the Director of Network Communications at United Way Worldwide for five years and has been a member of United Way Next since 2020. Since 2023 he has served on the United Way Next Marketing Committee. At United Way of Snohomish County, Neil supervised the Marketing and Communications Team; managed social media and public relations; and coordinated the development of all marketing materials. At United Way Worldwide, Neil led monthly webinars; ran an award-winning monthly Twitter Chat (#UnitedWayChat); produced a daily newsletter for 13,000 local staff (Breakfast with United Way); led crisis communications and provided guidance and support to local United Ways on branding, messaging, and communications, in general. Neil currently serves as the Vice President of Events and Communications for Digimentors, a social/ events / AI consultancy. He works with nonprofits, corporate clients, government agencies, and higher ed to produce livestream events, manage social media, and supervise video production projects. He has worked with a range of different clients including several local United Ways; the Southern Poverty Law Center; the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation; The Graphic History Company; the University at Buffalo Law School; the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children; the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Export Import Bank. Neil is the Executive Producer and Guest Host of "Sree's Sunday #NYTReadalong" (a weekly livestream show) and the Co-Host / Producer of "Shining Light on Shadows: A Candid Conversation About Mental Health" (a twice-a-month livestream show). |
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Dona Ponepinto Dona Ponepinto is a change agent. With her steadfast and thoughtful nature, she has broken down barriers in the communities surrounding her, both in her career and volunteer service. She is currently the President and CEO of United Way of Pierce County, Tacoma, Washington. Dona joined UWPC in January of 2014 and has over 30 years of experience within the United Way network and a long history of working on behalf of children and their families. Since taking the reins in Pierce County, Dona led a ground-breaking three-state research project on the financial stability of families known as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), spearheaded the creation of the yearly, From Poverty to Possibilities summit, and launched the Center for Strong Families, that focuses on helping families increase their income, decrease expenses, build credit, and acquire assets. Currently, in partnership with the City of Tacoma, County, and DSHS, she and her team are leading another Guaranteed Income Demonstration project. Before joining United Way of Pierce County, Dona was a Vice President at United Way for Southeast Michigan (UWSEM) in Detroit, Michigan. While in Michigan, she led the development and implementation of a re-imagined community investment model. Before joining UWSEM, she was with Orange County’s United Way and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles. Dona has consistently been very engaged in her community and has demonstrated strong leadership through service and board membership. She is a member of the Junior League Tacoma and is a past President of the Association of Junior Leagues International. In addition, she serves on the boards of the Tacoma Art Museum, Wellfound Behavioral Health Hospital, Coordinated Care, and the Workforce Development Council. In 2019, she was appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to serve as a Board of Trustee for Tacoma Community College and is currently chair of the Board. She was recently honored by the University of Washington Milgard School of Business as the 2024 Non-Profit Leader of the Year. Dona holds a BA in Psychology and a Master of Science Degree in Counseling with an emphasis on children and families from Creighton University. |
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Rodney Prunty Rodney Prunty is a passionate, dedicated community servant with 36 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including 16 years with United Way. Rodney began employment at United Way in 2007 as a resource development manager for United Way of Rock River Valley in Rockford, IL (UWRRV), where he was responsible for developing and implementing fundraising strategies and donor cultivation for the annual campaign. In 2010, he was promoted to vice president of UWRRV. In this role, he oversaw an array of activities for the organization including human resources, organizational budgets, volunteer recruitment, community partnerships, community initiatives, campaigns, and grants. Rodney joined United Way of Racine County (UWRC) in Racine, Wisconsin in August of 2013 as the President and Chief Professional Officer. During his tenure, Rodney helped create a culture of relationship management in UWRC’s resource development department, which was integral to UWRC’s fundraising success. Rodney’s leadership in Racine led to its United Way campaigns being ranked in the top ten of the highest fundraising totals in the organization’s history. Rodney began his role as President & CEO of United Way of Central New Mexico (UWCNM) in June of 2019. In his first year, Rodney’s experience in fundraising, relationship-building, community engagement, and collective impact began to have an effect in central New Mexico. UWCNM was also selected as one of forty-seven local United Ways across the country to receive a transformational gift from MacKenzie Scott in 2020. In 2021, UWCNM adopted Santa Fe as the fifth county in its service area and in January of 2023, announced its new name to better reflect the counties served, United Way of North Central New Mexico. Mr. Prunty is unwavering in his focus to create long-term, positive community change at scale. He holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services. Rodney is a member of the UW NEXT Engage and Exchange Work Group and his local UW is a member of UW NEXT. |
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Rob Reifsnyder Robert C. Reifsnyder retired in 2018 after 43 years in United Way, including 18 years as President and CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati, the 5th largest United Way in the United States upon his retirement. After receiving his degree from Princeton University, he served several United Ways before becoming President of Metro United Way in Louisville in 1987 and President of United Way of Greater Cincinnati in 2001. Under his leadership, United Way of Greater Cincinnati initiated United Way 211, the Volunteer Connection, Success By 6®, Place Matters, Partners for a Competitive Workforce, The State of the Community Report, the Agenda for Community Impact, and the Bold Goals for Our Region, and served as the Trusted Entity executing the Cincinnati Preschool Promise. During this time United Way also raised more than $1 Billion for community services. Reifsnyder served on numerous Boards during his time as President, and in retirement serves on the Boards of OneSource Center, Playhouse in the Park, CancerFree KIDS, Boy Scouts, and United Way NEXT. He co-chaired the Playhouse's recent $50 Million Capital Campaign to build a new theater. In Louisville and Cincinnati, he has received awards including the NCCJ Humanitarian Award, IABC/PRSA Communicator of the Year Award, YMCA Strong Communities Award, Northern Kentucky University’s Lincoln Award, Boy Scouts Silver Beaver Award, Ohio United Way’s 100 Heroes Award, LEAD Magazine’s C-Suite Award and Business Courier’s CEO of the Year Award. Rob and his wife Gretchen have two sons and two grandchildren |
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Ed Rivera, Immediate Past Chair Ed Rivera served as the President and CEO of United Way of Central New Mexico (UWCNM) from 2009 to 2019. UWCNM is recognized for leading measured community impact initiatives in a comprehensive donor engagement and response model. Ed Retired from this post in 2019. Ed has significant nonprofit leadership experience. Prior to joining UWCNM, Ed was a Principal with Kittleman and Associates, a leader in nonprofit leadership resources, where he consulted with nonprofit organizations and associations throughout the United States. Previous to his work at Kittleman, Ed served as the founding President of the Cancer Treatment Research Foundation (now known as Gateway for Cancer Research), a national organization pioneering translational and nutritional research in oncology. Earlier in his career, he served the national United Way network in numerous capacities. In addition to CEO positions in Boulder, Colorado; Corpus Christi, Texas; and San Jose, California, Ed served as Senior Vice President and Acting President for the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago. As Acting President in Chicago, he led the organization to its first $100 million annual campaign. Local United Way campaigns raised more than $800 million under Ed’s executive leadership. Mr. Rivera stewarded UWCNM through a community-based strategic process and guided the evolution of a community-wide collaborative education support initiative, Mission: Graduate. He led the organization through a process to establish a Community Impact Agenda that refined and focused UWCNM’s ability to support children through a collateral initiative, Mission: Families. Ed served as the 2024 Chair of United Way NEXT. He also serves on the board of the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation. He has served the United Way National Professional Council, New Mexico United Way State Association and participated in local community groups including Mission: Graduate Vision Council, Mission: Families Vision Council, UNM College of Education Friends’ Board, Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent’s Business Advisory Committee, Daniels Fund Scholarship and Ethics Initiatives, Head Judge for the 2017 Daniels Fund Ethics Consortium Case Competition, Hispano Philanthropic Society Co-Founder, Ethics in Business, Rotary and others. Mr. Rivera is a graduate of Colorado College and completed an executive leadership program at Santa Clara University and an executive marketing program at Northwestern University. |
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Darlene Slaughter Darlene R. Slaughter is a visionary with a passion to remove barriers and provide equal opportunities for all. As the first appointed Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Darlene will support leading a culture of engagement, innovation, accountability, trust, and diversity and inclusion for the 13,000-employee team. Prior to joining WMATA, Darlene served as the Chief Diversity Officer for March of Dimes; United Way Worldwide; Linkage Institute for Leading Diversity and Inclusion; and led an integrated strategy to utilize and support the talents of the employees as Fannie Mae’s Chief Diversity Officer. Darlene’s work as a leader and in Diversity continues to be recognized. She has received many awards and honors, including Diversity Woman Media Elite 100; SAVOY’s Top 100 Influential Women in Corporate America, Profiles in Diversity Journal’s Women Worth Watching, Black Enterprises’ Top Executives in Diversity, and Heart & Soul’s Women of Substance in Finance, in addition to gracing the cover of Inclusion Magazine. Darlene served on Twitter’s ICD Council, the American University President’s Diversity Council and Alumni Board, and the Springboard Foundation for Disability. She is a fellow and a board member of the Simmons University Inclusive Leadership Institute and a board member of the Social Capital Academy at Fullerton University in California. Darlene holds a M.S. in Human Resource Management and Organizational Development from American University and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Howard University. |
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Kerri Strauss, Secretary Kerri Strauss is a UW Alumni with a real passion for UW NEXT. Beyond serving on the UW NEXT Board of Directors, Kerri has served as a relationship manager, guest speaker, work group member, author to newsletter articles and CEO Mentor. Kerri is currently an officer on the UW NEXT Board of Directors serving as this year’s secretary. Kerri is a graduate of Third Sector Company’s Interim Executives Academy and brings over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience. Kerri is the founder of Kerri Strauss Consulting, a consulting practice that enables individuals and organizations to truly make a difference through impactful leadership. Kerri has just wrapped up a 18- month interim engagement with The Editorial Freelancers Association in New York. Prior to that assignment, she completed a successful engagement as Interim President and CEO of United Way of Greater Union County in Elizabeth, New Jersey. For the 10 years prior to that, she served as the Executive Director of United Way of Bradford County in Towanda Pennsylvania where she gained extensive experience in community impact as well as corporate engagement, health and human services and strategic planning. Part of the first graduating class of M.S.W.'s from Kutztown University, and the President of National Honor Society, Kerri exemplifies positive impact and continually strives to provide leadership, passion and integrity in all aspects of life. |
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Terry Tolan Terry Tolan is a consultant with the Louisville-based Center for Nonprofit Excellence, assisting a diverse group of nonprofits in maximizing their performance in order to better achieve their missions. Her consultations have included extensive strategic planning facilitation, including multiyear workplans and benchmarking, annual workplan development, development of logic models for measuring program outcomes, customer research, meeting facilitation, product development, and financial analysis and planning. Terry brings a wealth of experience, a lifelong commitment to supporting children and families, and a passion for organizational excellence in the nonprofit sector. Terry’s career in the United Way system spanned almost 24 years, including service in 3 local United Ways, and 15 years as the CEO of United Way of Kentucky. At United Way of Kentucky, Terry created and delivered staff and volunteer training, facilitated strategic planning, raised public awareness, and conducted organizational assessments for United Ways and other human service organizations regionally and nationally. She led the systems’ public policy efforts in Kentucky and Washington, DC. Her service included many leadership roles regionally and nationally. Based on her public policy work to improve kindergarten readiness in Kentucky, in 2011 Terry was asked to be Executive Director of a newly created Kentucky Governor’s Office of Early Childhood. In the Office of Early Childhood, Terry worked collaboratively across units of state and local government to change policy and statutes and to build effective local teams to mobilize communities in support of every child entering kindergarten ready to be successful. Terry’s work focused on supporting optimal physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development through engaged and knowledgeable families and high-quality, accessible early care and education. She successfully led the effort to secure a $44 million federal Race to the Top grant for Kentucky. Recently, Terry facilitated Strategic Planning for the National Collaboration for Women’s History Sites, KMAC - A Contemporary Art Museum, and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Louisville. She facilitated the strategic planning process for United Way NEXT. In addition, Terry donates her services as a member of the Board of Directors of Louisville Public Media, as co-chair of the Engage and Exchange Work Group of United Way NEXT, as a founding member of the Kentucky Strong Start Coalition for Kindergarten Readiness, and as a member of the Guiding Team for the Louisville Ready for K Alliance. Across her varied roles, Terry has been involved in mobilizing communities to improve lives for children and families. She has done this by helping organizations focus on their mission, convening committed leaders and organizations, establishing measurable goals and objectives, communicating broadly and effectively, and providing backbone support. Terry is a graduate of the University of Memphis and lives in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband Joe and two cats. |
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Jeffrey Wilcox Jeffrey Wilcox is an experienced grant-maker, nonprofit executive and fundraiser turned entrepreneur. As President and CMAO at Third Sector Company, he leads one of the largest teams of professionals in the United States dedicated to the advancement and practice of nonprofit succession planning, interim leadership, and leadership continuity solutions for nonprofit organizations, associations, and congregations. He is the founder of “Interim Executives Academy,” which will offer more than 85 educational events to aspiring and professional transitional leaders and their boards during 2024. Since its founding in 2002, Third Sector Company has provided services to over 900 nonprofits in the United States and Canada and has provided interim leadership to organizations, congregations, and associations whose combined assets total more than $1 billion. He is the former Senior Vice President of Community Development for United Way of Greater Los Angeles, and Valley of the Sun United Way in Phoenix, Arizona, and executive director of CHOC Children’s Hospital Foundation in Orange County, CA. Clients of Third Sector Company have included California Wellness Foundation, PetSmart Charities, California Congregations for Equality, The Canucks Foundation, Golden Gate Bridge National Conservancy, and the Academy for Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Wilcox is the former nonprofit columnist for the Long Beach Business Journal, founder of “The Board Chairs Academy,” and author of “The Nonprofit Leader of the New Decade.” He co-developed and is the former lead trainer for the Wells Fargo New Executive Directors Institute of Greater Los Angeles. He is the immediate past chair of the Executive Advisory Board for the School of Business, Government, and Economics at Seattle Pacific University and was named Alumnus of the Year in 2015. He is the former governance chair for the national Camp Fire organization based in Kansas City. He is also the former chapter President of AFP Orange County (CA) and past chairman of the Executive Transitions and Succession Planning Affinity Group for the Alliance for Nonprofit Management. In 2021, Jeffrey developed and continues to serve as lead instructor for the Association Leadership Academy at the California Society of Association Executives. In 2022, Jeffrey was presented the “Innovation Award” by the Washington Society for Association Excellence. In 2023, Third Sector Company was named one of the ”Top 10 Interim Executive Services” in the United States by ManageHR Magazine. Jeffrey currently serves as the UW NEXT co-chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access Work Group and has a UW NEXT-named endowment. He served on the UW NEXT CEO Search Committee in 2022 and is an active member of UW NEXT. |
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Jim Yu |
