Cox to lead United Way of NNY

WATERTOWN, NY — James L. Cox has been named the CEO/President of the United Way of NNY and will begin his duties June 17.

Robert Gorman, 68, who has held the position for six years, announced his resignation in January. He will stay on to assist the transition until June 28.

The announcement was made Friday by United Way of NNY Board Chair Walter Hammond.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors we are excited to have Jamie as our new Executive Director,” said Hammond. “We believe under his leadership we will continue to grow and prosper helping our partner agencies and local communities in Jefferson, St Lawrence and Lewis counties.”

Cox, a native of Ohio, attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and served 20 years in the Marine Corps. He flew 117 attack helicopter combat missions and was recognized for valor multiple times. Cox received the Purple Heart for wounds received in action in Fallujah, Iraq in April 2004. He also served as an instructor pilot at the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, two tours in the Pentagon, and a Congressional Fellowship where he was assigned to the United States House of Representatives and coauthored 13 federal appropriations bills and other legislation.

Following retirement, Mr. Cox has worked in management at several businesses including serving as a vice president with Cassidy & Associates, a lobbying firm in Washington, D.C.

Beginning in June 2015, Cox joined a nonprofit in Texas that encompasses mental healthcare using Trauma Informed Care; Veteran retreats focusing on peer support and art therapy; financial assistance; physical wellness and nutrition; and support of the homeless.

Cox recently completed an Executive Master’s in Business Administration program at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

He is married to the former Jacquelyn Carter, who retired from the U.S. Secret Service after a 25-year career. They have three children: Jake, Danica and Jessica.