Middlesex United Way Names New President & CEO

Middletown CT

12 January, 2022

4:21 PM

Description

Press release from Middlesex United Way: Jan. 12, 2022 The Board of Directors of Middlesex United Way is pleased to announce Shawonda Swain as their next President and CEO to lead the organization effective December 28, 2021. As a youth living in Brooklyn, Ms. Swain was an active program participant of the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club. Throughout her club activities and participation, she was recognized as a leader and upon her graduation with a degree in education, she was invited to begin her career with Madison Square Boys & Girls Club part-time but quickly became the full time Education Director. Swain advanced to Unit and School Site Director serving the organization and community for twenty-four years. While there, she built organizational cohesion, a strong culture and team, and achieved positive outcomes by cultivating relationships with school faculty and administrators, parents, local Police Departments, community agencies and local political officials. She secured funding for a variety of programs to include a collaboration with the NYC Department of Education as well as the organization's college bound program. Swain also developed corporate sponsorship opportunities that created both funding and volunteer opportunities. Swain joined the Boys and Girls Club in Hartford, CT as the Director of Program Services and was promoted to Vice President/Chief Operating Officer. She managed the planning and delivery of innovative solutions for operations, programs, services, and activities, growing membership and improving program to meet expectations and standards. There, she oversaw 10 clubs throughout Hartford, serving 8,000 youth annually, overseeing the safe operations of the clubs, quality of the programming, and partnerships with other organizations, and served as a member of the Hartford Superintendent's Advisory Council. She was selected to speak on behalf of Boys and Girls Club of America at a Congressional hearing, effectively soliciting $1.2B on behalf of Boys and Girls Clubs of America and 21st Century Community Learning Centers. She is a certified National Training Instructor for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, was recognized as the Northeast Region Outstanding Youth Professional and was awarded the National Youth Service Award for her 30 years of service. Middlesex United Way Board Chair Kim Hogan headed the recruitment committee and was joined by Board Vice Chair, Meg Slater, and board members Faith Jackson, Joe Santaniello, Joshua Rivera and Andy Rapp. The committee selected Harvest Development Group, LLC, a consulting firm in Middletown, CT working specially with nonprofit organizations to lead the recruitment for the executive director. Harvest managed a nationwide search which yielded a large and diverse pool of candidates throughout the country. "Harvest Development Group's collaboration with the Recruitment Committee members and discussions with staff, funders, and agency partners was essential as we defined our organization today and for the future, and the role of our next President and CEO to sustain and advance our work and mission", said Kim Hogan, Board Chair. "Through a comprehensive process, the Committee recognized Shawonda's leadership, commitment, community engagement and inclusive approach to our work and mission." Swain is a proud mom of one son and resides in Middletown, Ct. Swain stated "I am excited to be joining the United Way family and looking forward to continuing the legacy of quality leadership and meaningful support in the Middlesex County Community." This press release was produced by Middlesex United Way. The views expressed here are the author's own.