Congratulations, Keisha Browder (NPC Co-founder) for your Leadership Transistion to CEO of United Way Bay Area, for eight Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Solano as their first Black chief executive for the organization since its founding more than a century ago. A huge accomplishment!
“My work has always been driven by my values – dignity, integrity, and compassion for all – as well as my commitment to serving and empowering people in diverse communities,” said Keisha Browder, incoming CEO of United Way Bay Area. “With immense gratitude for my time in Santa Cruz County, I am honored and excited to bring these values to the Bay Area, where this organization is a leader in combating poverty and building equitable pathways to prosperity.”
With heartfelt gratitude from Keisha Browder:
“Thank you for the privilege of leading the United Way of Santa Cruz County on your behalf since 2018. As when I started 12 years ago as the Director of Development & Marketing with this United Way, the organization has been an essential partner and continues to contribute a unique value toward ensuring a healthy, thriving community in Santa Cruz County.
Your investment of time, energy, and resources, as well as your trust in collaboration to deliver better outcomes, has ensured United Way’s ongoing contribution to local youth wellbeing. It has been an honor to grow as a professional in this position, leading this exceptional organization. I am thankful for the example and mentorship of current and past United Way Board members, staff, and community partners like you who have supported me along the way.
I am excited to share that I am enriching my United Way career path by accepting a position at United Way Bay Area* as their Chief Executive Officer (for eight Bay area counties). I plan for my last day at United Way of Santa Cruz County to be Friday, October 11, 2024.
Throughout my tenure as CEO, I spearheaded initiatives that have significantly enhanced community well-being in Santa Cruz County and grew our United Way revenue to nearly $4 million:
- Youth Wellness Initiatives: Initiated programs aimed at improving youth wellness, leaving a lasting positive impact on younger generations, including key partnerships with UC Santa Cruz, Sierra Health Foundation, and All Children Thrive California.
- Expansion of 211 Services: 211 services expanded beyond resource and referral – enhancing care management and strengthened coordinated care services to both clients and community partners, serving nearly 8,000 callers
- Effective Crisis Management: Skillfully navigated multiple challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, CZU Lightning Complex fires, and recent floods in Pajaro, mobilizing over $1 million in resources and support for affected communities.
I am deeply appreciative of the opportunities I have had to work with so many talented and passionate individuals. Together, we have launched impactful initiatives, supported countless families, and provided resources and programs that have made a tangible difference in the lives of our youth. Each project, each success story, and each challenge overcome has been a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a common purpose.
The United Way Board of Directors will collectively assume the role of Interim CEO to begin the process of selecting the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer. During this interim period, the Board will work closely with the leadership team and staff to ensure the continuity of our mission, programs, and services. We are confident that the dedication of our team, combined with the Board’s oversight, will ensure a seamless transition and continued success for United Way of Santa Cruz County.
The Board will keep the community informed with this important process. Should you have inquiries, please email our Board Chair Hajime Arnold at boardchair@unitedwaysc.org
To the residents of Santa Cruz County, thank you for believing in our mission and for your unwavering support. Your trust and encouragement have been the driving force behind my steadfast leadership. It is your kindness, resilience, and generosity that have made these 12 years so rewarding.”
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*What United Way Bay Area is saying:
Today, United Way Bay Area (UWBA), one of the most respected and highly effective philanthropic organizations fighting poverty in the region, announced that Keisha Browder will become its next Chief Executive Officer. Her first day will be Monday, October 21. Browder comes to United Way Bay Area with over 25 years of experience working to advance girls’ leadership, youth well-being, economic opportunity, and racial justice, including in her most recent role as CEO of United Way of Santa Cruz County. As CEO, Browder will oversee UWBA’s staff, resource development, programmatic, and financial operations while leading strategic partnerships in the community and execution of UWBA’s strategic plan. Browder will be the first Black chief executive for the organization since its founding more than a century ago.
“It is with great excitement that we welcome Keisha Browder to our team,” said Gioia McCarthy, Chair of the United Way Bay Area Board of Directors. “Keisha’s tenure at nearby United Way of Santa Cruz County is a testament to her understanding of United Way’s unique ability to mobilize a region to meet community needs. Keisha possesses the philanthropic, programmatic, leadership, and political savvy to move more families towards financial prosperity. She will lead our organization with compassion, care, and a steadfast commitment to making the Bay Area a place where all people have the opportunities and resources to thrive. I also want to thank interim CEO Kelly Batson for her service to the organization and our community during this transition period.”