(TORRINGTON, CT) The United Way of Northwest Connecticut Board of Directors has named Lisa Ferris its Executive Director. Following a period of reorganization, the United Way board launched a search process that resulted in selecting Ms. Ferris to head up the agency.
Since April 2017, Lisa Ferris has been Dental Program Manager and Director of Community Relations at The Maria Seymour Brooker Memorial in Torrington. She is co-chair of the Litchfield Hills Brewfest, a major fundraising event for Brooker. Prior work experience includes management and administrative positions she has held since 1995. Ms. Ferris grew up in the area, she has been involved in many community events and nonprofit board service. She has been an active United Way volunteer for 10 years. She is a founding member of Stock the Shelves, a nonprofit startup organization addressing food insecurity. She is currently vice president of the board of Prime Time House and a board member of Northwest Hills Credit Union, Litchfield Area Business Association, and the Women and Girls Fund. She is chair of the Chamber’s WOW committee, and on the advisory board for Building Healthier Communities. A resident of Goshen, Ms. Ferris is the mother of two adult sons.
United Way Board Chair and Acting Executive Director James Hutchison states, “We are so pleased to welcome Lisa, a candidate deeply familiar with the community and the United Way, to reorganize and restore our capabilities to serve and lead us forward. Our board has every confidence in Lisa, our advisors and incredible volunteers to come together to build community and help meet critical needs.
We are excited and feel that as a united, caring community, we can do it!”
United Way of Northwest Connecticut: After a disruption in campaigning caused by the pandemic and other factors, the United Way has been working to restructure and renew itself to discern and meet to today’s needs. The board of directors hosted a meeting with executive directors of United Way agencies; added new directors to the board and an experienced advisory committee; updated by-laws; completed the financial audit for 2022; contacted other United Ways in the region to explore best practices and operational efficiencies; and reestablished communication and collaboration with United Way of CT.
The agency has new office space in the New Opportunities office suites at 62 Commercial Boulevard in Torrington, providing workspace and eliminating two rented storage units where United Way materials had been in storage for over 2 years.
With established leadership in place, the board continues to develop plans to inform and engage agencies, corporate sponsors, leadership donors and other key stakeholders about the United Way of today and tomorrow.