Colleen McCarthy has been named director of the University’s annual United Way workplace campaign.
In her current position as the University’s director of local government and community relations, which she’ll continue to hold, McCarthy serves as a liaison between the University and its neighbors and government partners.
A lifelong Rochesterian, McCarthy says her experience as a “connector” between the University and the community will serve her well as United Way director.
“I’m excited to get to work,” she says, noting that she has a great campaign team with which to work.
Prior to joining the University in 2008, McCarthy worked for the City of Rochester communications bureau under former mayor Robert Duffy.
Former United Way campaign director Andrea DeMeo, executive director and chief operating officer of the Center for Community Health, is leaving the University to become president and CEO of Trillium Health in Rochester.
DeMeo has directed the University’s United Way campaigns since 2006, annually raising more than $1 million for community programs. In 2008, the United Way recognized her leadership by awarding her the Richard P. Miller Sr. Award, named in honor of the second president of the local United Way. In 2011, she was named a Community Champion by the Rochester Business Journal and the United Way of Greater Rochester.
Peter Robinson, vice president and chief operating officer of the Medical Center and vice chair of the United Way campaign, says McCarthy’s skills are a good fit for the director position.
“Colleen brings a wealth of experience in building coalitions and developing grassroots support for community priorities to her new responsibilities for the University’s United Way campaign,” Robinson says. “We are fortunate to have someone with her skills and her passion for helping people leading this important effort.”
The annual workplace campaign begins in early 2015. Visit www.rochester.edu/unitedway for more information.
