After a months-long search, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut has named a new president and CEO.
The nonprofit network’s board of directors announced Tuesday that Eric Harrison, most recently the president and CEO of a United Way chapter in Ventura County, California, will assume leadership of the Connecticut organization on Feb. 22. Harrison will succeed Paula S. Gilberto, who announced her retirement in May.
Gilberto has headed the affiliate since 2016.
United Way officials said Harrison was picked from among dozens of candidates. He was one of 30 people to ultimately meet and interview with the firm managing the job search, Diversified Search Group/Koya Partners, and one of nine to interview with the board’s search committee.
“Throughout the search process, we were impressed with Eric’s authentic leadership style, strong relationships, commitment to community impact, track record of success in fundraising and strategy and the depth of his experience in the United Way network,” said Donald Allan Jr., United Way’s board chair and president and CEO of manufacturer Stanley Black & Decker. “We are thrilled to welcome him to our community and excited for him to lead our United Way through its next chapter of transformation.”
Prior to his work in Ventura County, Harrison held various roles at United Way chapters in California and Minnesota. He also served as development director for Equality California and then as executive director of Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing.
In his most recent role, Harrison oversaw the launch of United to End Homelessness Ventura County, which assisted people in finding permanent housing. The organization also established the United Way Thomas Fire Fund, which raised more than $5 million to support families affected by California’s wildfires.
“While I will greatly miss the communities I’ve worked with in Ventura County, I am proud of our collective efforts to address our most pressing issues, including homelessness and disaster recovery,” Harrison said in a statement. “Joining United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut allows me the opportunity to apply the lessons learned in Ventura County and throughout my career in the United Way network on a larger scale, serving the 52 communities in its service area.”
