SAN DIEGO (June 30, 2017) –

United Way of San Diego County has named two community leaders and strong advocates – an award-winning employment attorney and a veteran educator – to key positions on its board of directors. Dave Carothers, partner at Carothers DiSante & Freudenberger LLP (CDF), steps up as chairman of the board. Richard Pattenaude, Ph.D., president emeritus at Ashford University, becomes vice chair for the next two years, leading up to the nonprofit’s centennial celebration. Both men are passionate about issues that align with United Way’s goal to change the odds for San Diego’s children and families. “My journey to where I am today was not free of challenges,” said Carothers, “and I am grateful for organizations such as United Way for their investment in providing resources for underserved children and families. Serving on the board of one of San Diego’s most respected charities is my honor, especially being among peers collaborating for local solutions and with the shared vision of a community encouraging opportunity for all.” As chair, Carothers will serve on the executive committee, lead the 27-member volunteer board of directors and provide general oversight of board policy implementation. As partner at CDF, a statewide management-side labor, employment and immigration law firm, he brings more than 30 years of legal practice to the courtroom. He has tried more than 75 cases to verdict in jurisdictions throughout California. His clients include educational institutions, national retail chains, religious organizations and more. Carothers is also CDF’s diversity committee chairperson and a founding participant and committee member of the San Diego County Bar Association Diversity Fellowship Program. He was appointed to the Fair Employment and Housing Commission by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in November 2008. Carothers has served on the boards of the Neighborhood House Association, the San Diego Police Review Board and the Inner City Games Foundation. Carothers also served in the U.S. Navy from 1975 to 1979 and was awarded the Navy/Marine Corp Expeditionary Medal for services related to Iran. Carothers resides in Point Loma with his wife, Janice. As vice chair, Pattenaude will serve on the executive committee and will perform the duties of chair in Carothers’ absence. He will also chair the campaign cabinet, leading a team of executive volunteers to develop and deepen relationships with United Way’s top corporate partners and work to develop relationships with future San Diego company partners. “When I came to San Diego from Maine, I reached out to learn about the local United Way. It was a delightful surprise to learn that the primary focus was on education for kids,” said Pattenaude. “As an educator, I believe deeply in that purpose as it leads to success in school, career and life. It is an honor to be elected to a leadership role for this dynamic organization that is so essential to our community.” Pattenaude has a long tenure in higher education, most recently as president of Ashford University from 2012-2015, where he oversaw the school’s range of associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs available online. His previous roles include president of the University of Southern Maine and chancellor of the University of Maine System. He is also a U.S. Army veteran who served one year in Vietnam. The father of four grown children, he enjoys reading, race cars and the Red Sox. “These are engaged, invested members of our board who will bring their passions and expertise to the leadership level,” said President and CEO Laurie Coskey. “I know they will shepherd our mission to elevate the possibilities for San Diego’s youngest community members and the next generation. We are grateful to have captured the energies of these extraordinary community leaders.”

About United Way of San Diego County

For 97 years, United Way of San Diego County has been disrupting the cycle of poverty by tackling issues impacting children and families in San Diego. The nonprofit plays a unique role, working with hundreds of nonprofits, schools, businesses and community leaders to change the odds for children by focusing on academic success and family stability. United Way provides support outside the classroom so children can be successful inside the classroom. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to get involved by donating and volunteering. Learn more at www.uwsd.org, Facebook and Twitter. ###

Media Contact: Sandy Young, J. Walcher Communications
sandy@jwalcher.com, 619-295-7140

SAN DIEGO (May 24, 2017) – “No one gets where they are going alone.” This was one of the key takeaways that Liz Murray, author of “Breaking Night,” shared during the keynote speech at United Way of San Diego County’s first annual “Changing the Odds Community Breakfast” on May 10 at the San Diego Convention Center. The first-ever fundraiser for the 97-year-old nonprofit raised $200,000 with the 700 attending community partners, local businesses and allies to help children be successful both inside and outside the classroom. United Way of San Diego County’s Women’s Leadership Council also gave seven scholarships to high school seniors, totaling $10,000. “We are so grateful to everyone who came out to our breakfast this month,” said President and CEO Laurie Coskey, Ed.D. “United Way is determined to make San Diego a place where children’s dreams do come true.” The event’s honorary chair was San Diego First Lady Katherine Stuart Faulconer, and KUSI’s Brad Perry emceed the breakfast, leading the charge for onsite fundraising, which totaled $25,000. Notable attendees included Sheriff Bill Gore, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and several members of the San Diego City Council. The breakfast culminated in Murray’s keynote speech, sharing her journey from homeless teen to Harvard graduate. Murray left hundreds of attendees teary-eyed as she recounted growing up with cocaine-addicted parents in the Bronx, and how she ended up on the streets by age 15. Determined to take charge of her life, Murray finished high school in two years and was awarded a full scholarship to Harvard University. Murray stressed the importance of community intervention, helping youth like her so they can succeed and thrive. More than 50 San Diego companies supported the breakfast, including Champion Sponsor Solar Turbines and Visionary Sponsor SDG&E.

About United Way of San Diego County

By working with hundreds of nonprofits, schools, businesses and community leaders, United Way of San Diego County is changing the odds for children through its work in education and family stability. The nonprofit plays a unique role, bringing the right people and resources together to spark breakthrough community action that elevates every child and family toward a brighter future. United Way solves complex problems by maximizing existing community partners/resources and establishing common goals to create permanent change in the community. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to get involved by donating and volunteering. Learn more at www.uwsd.org, the blog, Facebook and Twitter.