Paula S. Gilberto, president and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, will retire at the end of the year, the nonprofit organization announced Monday.
Gilberto, who joined United Way 23 years ago, has headed the affiliate since 2016. She earlier served as senior vice president, having been promoted to that role in 2007.
“I’m grateful that my career path afforded me the opportunity to put into action what I learned from my parents and family — the value of community service, the importance of relationships, and the belief that we can, and always will, do more together than we do alone,” Gilberto said in a statement.
United Way board members credited Gilberto with leading the organization’s private-public partnerships in grade-level reading, student achievement, financial security and workforce development. She was also a founding member of United Way Women United, which raises awareness and funds to address financial insecurity among women and families in the greater Hartford area.
“Paula’s leadership brought necessary innovation to United Way, meeting the needs of a rapidly evolving philanthropic landscape, while also forging new opportunities for growth and expansion,” said board chair Donald Allan Jr., the president and chief financial officer of New Britain-based Stanley Black & Decker. “She has led a team of talented staff in responding to a global pandemic that has impacted so many people in our region, while also maintaining our commitment to on-going community priorities.”
Gilberto also served on United Way Worldwide committees focusing on membership standards, organizational changes and education and financial security initiatives.
United Way officials said they are working with Diversified Search Group/Koya Partners to select Gilberto’s replacement.
