The Chief Executive Officers of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and Middlesex United Way assume two-year terms as Chair and Vice-Chair of the advisory board.
Hartford, Conn. (Sept. 12, 2024) – Connecticut United Ways announced the appointment of Eric Harrison, President and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and Shawonda S. Swain, President and CEO of Middlesex United Way, as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the Connecticut United Ways Chief Professional Officer’s Council (CPO Council). The CPO Council, comprised of executive leaders of all 14 local United Ways in Connecticut, undertake projects, initiatives and advocacy to create unified, positive impact across the state.
United Way is a nonprofit with a global network of independent United Ways operating hyper-locally to close gaps and create opportunities in more than 1,100 communities around the world. The CPO Council provides the mechanism for Connecticut United Ways to work in unison on initiatives that have a wide impact across the state, including their collective advocacy work on important issues such as the Connecticut Child Tax Credit and the release of the biennial ALICE Report, a study of financial hardship.
“I am honored to be appointed Chair of the Connecticut United Ways CPO Council. In this role, I recognize my responsibility and deep commitment to continue to ensure that our state is a place where every family can thrive through innovative partnerships and strategies. Our 14 local United Ways are leading the charge to create long-term and systemic changes for the benefit of residents across Connecticut,” said Eric Harrison, Chair, Connecticut United Ways CPO Council and President and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.
The CPO Council was established in 2005 and serves as an advisory committee to United Way of Connecticut’s Board of Directors.
“I look forward to serving the council with Eric. I am humbled by the nomination and will work to continue supporting the cause of thriving communities across the state of Connecticut,” shared Shawonda S. Swain, Vice-Chair, Connecticut United Ways CPO Council and President and CEO of Middlesex United Way.
The two-year-term appointments were selected by members of the Connecticut United Ways CPO Council – peers of Harrison and Swain – at its annual meeting.
Before becoming President and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut in February 2022, Eric Harrison served as President and CEO of United Way of Ventura County in California. Harrison also held leadership positions at two other nonprofit organizations, serving first as Development Director for Equality California and then as Executive Director of Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing.
Shawonda S. Swain is currently the President and CEO of Middlesex United Way in Middletown, Connecticut, serving all 15 towns of Middlesex County. She has held the role of President and CEO for two and a half years. Before joining Middlesex United Way, Shawonda served as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Boys and Girls Club in Hartford, CT.