United Way CEO to step down March 18

It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the United Way of Northern New York Board of Directors announces Jamie Cox’s departure as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 18, 2022.

Jamie stepped into this critical role in June 2019 and transformed the organization. While we will miss him and his inspiring leadership, we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavor as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Flight Central. We want to thank him for his dedicated service, which involved many significant accomplishments, including:

• The original establishment of the North Country Center of Nonprofit Excellence and its evolution into the North STAR Center for Professional Development, which provides professional development programming that maximizes limited resources, with a focus on building the capacity of individuals and organizations. 

• The stand up and operation of a COVID-19 Critical Item Distribution Center, which distributed over 2,500,000 items to 32 different towns, villages, and school districts in Northern New York during the first year of the pandemic. 

• The formation of the Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed (ALICE) Program, a transformational effort that has completely overhauled the service model for assisting individuals and families in crisis. By partnering with 32+ Northern New York public school districts, Jefferson Community College, SUNY Canton and a dozen nonprofit organizations, the ALICE Program facilitates the resolution of a problem immediately upon the problem being recognized. This program allows designated school employees and nonprofit employees to immediately address a critical need that keeps children in school, parents employed and families safe. 

The Board of Directors has begun the process for identifying the next permanent President and CEO. During this transition period, it is our priority to ensure that we receive input broadly in naming the best individual to lead, while maintaining a stable and effective organization. We will share updates about our progress and ask for your continued support as we continue along UWNNY’s successful trajectory. 

Again, we cannot thank Jamie enough for the dedication, passion, enthusiasm, and motivation he has given the North Country over the past three years. He will be greatly missed by the staff, Board, supporters, and partners alike.

We look forward to following the success of his career and are hopeful and excited for the next chapter of UWNNY.

if you have any questions or concerns during this transition process, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly atkristen@lewiscountychamber.org.