I
t is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the Board of Directors announces Richard Porth's plans to step down as CEO of United Way of Connecticut. The Board has asked Mr. Porth to remain on the job through June to assure a smooth transition while a comprehensive search is conducted to replace him.
Since 2008, Rick has worked closely with UWC's Board and staff leaders and our many great partners in state government, local United Ways, as well as community and business leaders to help provide information and access to health and human services and community services that enable people all across Connecticut to make a better life. We want to thank him for his years of dedicated service which involved many significant accomplishments for United Way of Connecticut. Over this time and together with our many partners, United Way of Connecticut has implemented new services and new ways for people to access services and supports in a range of areas, including:
2-1-1
- 2-1-1's Mobile Crisis Intervention for Youth which serves thousands of youth each year;
- 2-1-1 serving as the front door for Connecticut's Coordinated Access for Housing and Shelter, which has helped thousands avoid homelessness;
- Substantial expansion of 2-1-1's work in crisis intervention, particularly in emergency response after storms as part of the state's Emergency Response Framework;
2-1-1 Child Care
- 2-1-1 Child Care's provider orientation training for thousands of in-home child care providers;
- 2-1-1 Child Care's work on safety and security enhancements for children in child care, including training for providers in CPR and First Aid, and Medication Administration as well as supports for federal background/fingerprinting requirements;
Care 4 Kids
- Technological innovations in Care 4 Kids service delivery including an online provider portal and direct deposit and electronic funds transfer, and more;
United Ways
- Working with local United Ways on the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) initiative to call attention to financial hardship in Connecticut and across the country and to advocate for and provide supports to help them achieve financial stability;
Technology and Innovation
- Technological innovation in service delivery including significant enhancements to the 2-1-1 Child Care website and search engine, as well as implementation of the Care 4 Kids online provider portal, and the development of a website for 2-1-1 which is a now national model; and
Fiscal Management
- Maintaining fiscal controls that have led to ten consecutive "clean audits" with unmodified opinions and no findings.
Over the next few months we will be conducting a comprehensive search to find the best individual to lead our agency. We have asked Rick Porth to continue to serve as CEO during the transition period and the search process. He will work with our dedicated and talented senior managers and our Board of Directors to maintain a stable and effective organization during that time. We will share the job announcement soon and seek help to identify the strongest candidates to help United Way of Connecticut continue along this successful trajectory.
Again, we thank Rick for his dedication, integrity, and commitment to service over the past eleven plus years. And, we look forward to a strong future as we carry out our service mission which impacts so many people across Connecticut.
If you have any questions during this transition process, please do not hesitate to reach out to me (
[email protected]
) or Rick Porth (
[email protected]
). We will also provide periodic updates on our transition process in the coming months.
Sincerely,
Christopher Skomorowski
Chair, Board of Directors
United Way of Connecticut
From Richard Porth, CEO, United Way of Connecticut
After more than eleven years with United Way of Connecticut, I am planning to semi-retire and to pursue new challenges. This decision did not come easily because my job with United Way of Connecticut has been a fulfilling and life-changing opportunity for me. I am particularly grateful because of all the great people I have had the privilege of working with here at United Way of Connecticut as well as with many great state leaders, with local United Ways and with community leaders across Connecticut. Together, we have collaborated on meaningful and impactful work in service to thousands of people across Connecticut.
Because of our dedicated Board of Directors and our talented, hard-working managers and staff here at United Way of Connecticut, I know that this great organization will continue to be an innovative service leader for years to come.
Thank you,
Richard Porth
CEO, United Way of Connecticut