Centre County United Way Director Stepping Down to Lead CVIM

Centre County United Way’s (CCUW) executive director is stepping down from the position to lead another high-profile local nonprofit organization.

Paula Williams will become the next executive director of Centre Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM), a United Way partner agency, on July 15. She has resigned as CCUW executive director effective June 21.

At the county’s only permanent free medical clinic, Williams will succeed Cheryl White, who is retiring this summer after 14 years as executive director.

“CVIM has played a pivotal role in transforming lives and fostering a healthier community,” Williams said in a CVIM news release. “I am eager to work with our dedicated team – volunteers, staff and board – as well as our partners in the community to ensure high-quality healthcare remains accessible to all.”

A Penn State alumna, Williams had extensive experience working with nonprofits in New Mexico before her time at CCUW. She was previously president of the Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors; executive director of the Central New Mexico Komen for the Cure; administrator at Albuquerque Academy, a private school serving middle and high school students; and chief operating officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico.

“We are incredibly happy that Paula will be joining the Centre Volunteers in Medicine team,” Heddy Kervandjian, CVIM Board chair, said in a statement. “Her exceptional leadership, dedication and compassionate approach make her the ideal person to drive our mission forward and address the evolving healthcare needs of our community.”

Williams leaves CCUW after a little over a year as executive director.

“We wish Paula success in her new role and thank her for her leadership over the past 15 months,” Tama Carey, CCUW Board chair, said in a statement. We look forward to continuing to work with her as she takes on the leadership of a partner agency,”

Williams thanked CCUW’s board, staff, volunteers and donors for their support during her tenure.

“The past year has been an amazing experience for me, and I am looking forward to continuing my relationship with CCUW as a partner agency executive director,” she said in a CCUW news release. “I have been able to see first-hand how important United Way is to our community, and I value the work being done by the staff and the support of donors.”

CCUW will provide information about the next phase for its leadership as it becomes available, according to the release.

“CCUW has a dedicated team of staff, board, partner agencies, and volunteers who remain focused on our mission of providing access to health, education, and financial security to everyone in Centre County,” Carey said.