United Way of Larimer County Hires Deirdre Sullivan as CEO/President

Deirdre Sullivan to lead United Way of Larimer County into the next decade

Local nonprofit leader and policy advocate, Deirdre Sullivan, will lead United Way of Larimer County as the new CEO/President, directing UWLC’s work to strengthen our community by collaborating with a variety of community agencies, philanthropists, and corporate partners.

The head leadership position was previously held by Annie Davies, from 2017-2020. Davies is now the Western Regional Engagement Director with United Way Worldwide. Sullivan will start the new role on August 24, 2020.

The CEO/President search by the UWLC Board of Directors focused on identifying a leader who could take United Way of Larimer County into the new decade, and who could focus on its mission of being a community philanthropy leader committed to addressing today’s greatest needs and reducing the needs of tomorrow.

The committee received more than 100 applications and conducted interviews with eight candidates including out of state candidates, internal United Way of Larimer County senior leaders, and regional organizational leaders.

“The hiring committee was impressed with the field of applicants, however, Deirdre’s depth of experience, regional knowledge, and leadership strengths put her at the top of our list,” said Justin Davis, Chair of the United Way of Larimer County’s Board of Directors.

“We are excited to roll up our sleeves as a Board of Directors and work with Deirdre on important community issues such as access to quality, affordable childcare, student achievement, financial stability, housing stability, and ensuring all of our work is implemented with the highest level of diversity, equity, and inclusion lens. As the largest nonprofit in Larimer County, we strive to lead community conversations around topics that impact our most vulnerable community members. Deirdre’s experience will drive this work and mobilize change,” Davis said.

Sullivan served as the Executive Director of The Family Center/La Familia for the last three years. She also founded and leads a consulting firm focused on data collection, analysis, and application for policy and systems change impacting community health.

“I have lived in and loved this community for 25 years. I am excited to apply my experience and relationships across multiple sectors to advance an equity-centered COVID-19 response, recovery, and re-design, as well as a paradigm shift in nonprofit philanthropy. I look forward to working with United Way of Larimer County staff, board members, donors, partner agencies, and most importantly, impacted communities, to achieve significant changes to health, education, and economic mobility in Larimer County.”

In addition to her work on behalf of The Family Center/La Familia, Sullivan has also served as an Adjunct Instructor at Colorado State University’s School of Public Health, was a Facilitator for the Family Leadership Training Institute through Colorado State University’s Extension Service, and has held several other advisory, advocacy, and leadership positions in public health departments, municipal governments, health systems, and school districts.

Community members, donors, stakeholders, and nonprofit leaders will have many opportunities to meet with Sullivan in the coming months as she engages with the community on critical issues facing Larimer County during the COVID-19 response and recovery, and other pertinent human service programs.