Christopher LaRose of Norwich Public Utilities elected Chair-Elect of Board of Directors
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut held its 2022 Annual Meeting on Friday, February 17, 2023 at the organization’s office in Gales Ferry. The event began with an agency fair, where representatives from United Way Partner Programs had display tables about their program’s work. United Way Board Members were invited to mingle with agency staff, ask questions, and learn more about how United Way donations are helping in the community.
Board Chair Marie-Clair Peakman reflected on the past year, highlighting key areas where the organization has made progress:
- Building community understanding and awareness;
- Maximizing community impact;
- Creating a donor-centric culture of philanthropy;
- Building an effective and efficient organization; and
- Creating an inclusive culture.
Dina Sears-Graves, United Way President and CEO, noted the number of activities that returned to normalcy post-pandemic. Those include Allocations, Union Counseling, the Healthy Start food drive including the Cereal Box Domino Challenge, and in-person volunteering.
United Way was able to bring in $1.8 million in new grants, a total of $2.2 million for the community focusing on homelessness and health equity.
Additionally, Sears-Graves highlighted the growth of the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center to include non-food giveaways, the addition of the Midwest Food Bank as a food source, and a renewed commitment to local farmers from Giving Gardens.
Sears-Graves concluded her presentation with a reminder of the organization’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through 
staff and Board trainings, funding activities, and policies.
Christopher LaRose (left), General Manager of Norwich Public Utilities, was elected to the position of Chair-Elect of the Board of Directors. LaRose has been a longtime volunteer for United Way, and most recently served as Co-chair of the fundraising campaign for two years.
“I support United Way because it is an amazing organization that makes a positive impact to our community,” LaRose said. “The Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, programs, and partner agencies provide essential services, improving the lives of thousands of people in the region.”
Ray Stanley was also elected to the Board of Directors. Stanley had previously served on the Board and is the current Chair of the Governance and Community Impact Committees. Karen Walters, a current Board member, was voted in as Secretary.
For a full list of United Way’s Board of Directors, go to www.uwsect.org/board-directors.
Peakman ended the meeting with a look towards the future and that one action united with another, multiplies. “That single moment,”
Peakman said, “creates a building block for a community where all people thrive.” She challenged everyone to find their own “United Way moment this year.”
