Brian T. Hassett named President and CEO of United Way of the Greater Capital Region

ALBANY, N.Y. – United Way of the Greater Capital Region Board Chair Robert Doyle announced today the appointment of Brian T. Hassett as President and CEO of United Way of the Greater Capital Region. He will begin his new position on September 12. Hassett was selected following a five-month national search. He succeeds Katherine D. Pelham who led the organization for 30 years, as president and then as president and CEO, before announcing her retirement earlier this year.

Hassett comes to United Way of the Greater Capital Region with 31 years of non-profit experience. His career has focused on leadership, strategic planning and fundraising at several United Ways and other human service organizations. He most recently led corporate partnership and major giving programs for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix, Ariz. Prior to that, he served for seven years as president of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, also in Phoenix.

Originally from the Bronx, Hassett began his career locally, serving in the office of then-Mayor of Cohoes, Ronald Canestrari. He served as a United Way National Intern in Fort Worth, Texas and Erie, Pa. before advancing through a number of fundraising and marketing posts in Cleveland, Ohio and Richmond, Va.

In 1990, Hassett was named President and CEO of the United Way of Central Massachusetts in Worcester, Mass. and in 1995 was named President and CEO of the Valley of the Sun United Way in Phoenix, Ariz. During his tenure in Phoenix, United Way revenue grew over 80 percent to $48 million. In 2001, he was named President and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Chicago and helped lead a team effort to consolidate the regions United Way organizations and achieve the fundraising goal of $96 million.

Hassett’s responsibilities at United Way of the Greater Capital Region will include leading and implementing strategies to help the organization adapt to changing conditions, and mobilizing staff and volunteer efforts to bring in resources - including dollars, partnerships and expertise - to improve lives and local community conditions.

“We are fortunate to have someone with Brian’s experience and passion lead United Way and advance its mission to create deep and lasting change for individuals and communities, said Robert Doyle, Board Chair for United Way of the Greater Capital Region. “The Search Committee was impressed with Brian’s creative thinking and strategic approach to raising resources to achieve solutions.”

Hassett earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Niagara University and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Rhode Island. Brian has two adult children and is an avid runner.

United Way of the Greater Capital Region brings people and resources together to improve lives and community conditions in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady and Schoharie counties.