President & CEO
Shawonda comes to Middlesex United Way after decades of service with nonprofits in both Connecticut and New York. She served most recently as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. Before that, Shawonda spent more than 24 years at the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club where she grew up and was a program member. She was instrumental in securing important funding for a variety of programs and was chosen to speak on behalf of Boys & Girls Club of America at a congressional hearing to successfully seek more than one billion dollars in federal funding to benefit youth programs across the country. Shawonda was recently inducted into the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club Alumni Hall of Fame for her years of dedication and service. She's in good company! Several celebrities from the entertainment and sports world are distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame honorees. Shawonda is an avid moviegoer with her favorites being horror and psychological thrillers. She loves to read (especially James Patterson books) and travel. Shawonda lives in Middletown with her son.
Loaned Executive, sponsored by Middlesex Health
Audrey has been an important member of the Middlesex United Way team for over a decade. She is part of the Loaned Executive Program made possible by the generosity of Middlesex Health. With more than 40 years of experience at Middlesex Health, Audrey has built important relationships within the community and helps assist our team with fundraising and campaign efforts throughout the year. Audrey is quite the adventurous traveler! She has been to every state in the U.S. except Hawaii and Alaska! Audrey lives in Middletown and has two daughters and three grandchildren.
Director of Marketing & Communications
William joined Middlesex United Way in the summer of 2022 with over a decade of experience in broadcasting and communications. He began his career as a News Producer at WFSB and later moved to WTNH. He currently serves on the board of the Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation and volunteers with the Durham Fair Association. William lives in Durham, where he enjoys working in his yard and running with friends.
Administrative Assistant
Karen joined the Middlesex United Way in the fall of 2022 with a wealth of administrative experience. In her role, Karen works closely with the Middlesex United Way staff and coordinates all volunteer activities. Karen is a Bristol native and currently lives in Portland with her family.
Director of Development
Whitney joined the Middlesex United Way in May 2023 after nearly six years at the YWCA in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As Director of Development, Whitney will work closely with workplace campaign coordinators, sponsors, and community partners. Whitney is a Wallingford native and excited to be working in Connecticut where she can spend more time with her family and adorable pug, Doc!
Vice President of Finance and Administration
Desmond joined the Middlesex United Way in July 2023 after 15 plus years of working in the nonprofit sector with small to large organizations holding positions from Accounting Manager to Director of Finance & Administration. Desmond currently serves on the board of Community Residences, Inc. in Newington, CT. Desmond’s work in the nonprofit sector was inspired by his grandmother who helped raise Desmond and his siblings. Desmond is the proud father of four children and resides in Meriden, CT. Desmond’s favorite NFL team is the JETS and NBA team is the New York Knicks!
Director of Community Impact
Brian joined the Middlesex United Way team in November 2024. With over a decade of experience working in both nonprofits and the public school system, Brian brings a fresh perspective to his new role. Brian's passion for mindfulness and meditation led him to earning a master's degree in that field. He's also been a musician since a young age and marched in the UConn Marching Band while in college. Brian lives in New Haven with his wife and two children.
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