After more than a quarter century of service to United Way, president and CEO Susan B. Dunn has announced her plans to retire in March 2016 from the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. She was the first woman to lead the organization since its founding in 1924 and only the fifth staff leader in its 90-year history.
Paula Gilberto, senior vice president, will become president and CEO after Dunn’s departure in March 2016. Gilberto joined United Way in March 1998 as vice president, community services overseeing the organization’s nonprofit resource and volunteer centers. In January 2007 she was named senior vice president expanding her responsibilities in resource development, community engagement and development of community initiatives.
Dunn joined United Way in 1990 as communications director. In November 2006, the board of directors named her president and CEO after the sudden death of George Bahamonde.
Over the course of her United Way career, Dunn was responsible for the annual fundraising effort, raising 69 percent of the $938 million raised since 1924 to benefit the local community. During her tenure as president and CEO, she saw the highest amount raised in any year – $28 million in 2008.
”I leave the organization with a sense of pride in the way our United Way has changed over time to meet the 21st century needs of our community and our donors. I am proud that our United Way has put a stake in the ground around children’s success in school and family financial stability while continuing to support a safety net of services,” said Dunn.
Dunn brought four affiliated United Ways in the region under one corporate entity while retaining the local brand identity in the local communities. Dunn has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work including being named one of Greater Hartford’s 50 Most Influential People (Hartford Magazine, July 2008, 2009 and 2010) and the Hartford Business Journal 2008 Nonprofit Executive of the Year.
