Nancy Kern Eaton, President, United Way of Central New York
Nancy Kern Eaton has been the president of the United Way of Central New York since 2017. She is proud to be part of a local organization with roots dating back to 1917. Under her leadership, United Way has expanded its role as a collaborative hub for human-service partnerships and coalitions. During the pandemic, Nancy played a crucial role in the organization’s pandemic response, helping to create the COVID-19 Community Support Fund and coordinating volunteers.
Nancy and her team led the celebration of the United Way’s 100th anniversary and brought back the Day of Caring, the community-wide day of service. Women United and ReUnited affinity groups were created, and involvement in Emerging Leaders United has increased.
United Way has launched new programs during her tenure, including Thrive at Work, focused on supporting employee success following job placement, and significantly expanded CNY Book Buddies, a partnership with Syracuse City School District to promote literacy. Nancy created the Full STEAM Ahead literacy initiative, providing books for kids K-3 that integrate science, engineering, arts, and math concepts.
Nancy has spent her career working in non-profit organizations and believes that we do our best work when we do it together. She began her non-profit career as a client advocate at the Erie County Mental Health Association. She has served in leadership roles at ARISE, Salvation Army of the Syracuse Area, Syracuse Weed & Seed Community Partnership, Home HeadQuarters, and Housing Visions Unlimited.
During her career, Nancy has worked to bring diverse stakeholders together to develop shared solutions, including strategies around housing, neighborhood restoration, youth opportunity, education, health equity, community policing, and violence prevention.
After establishing the ARISE Foundation, Nancy led the effort to raise funds and build a 20,000 square foot accessible playground at ARISE at the Farm, offering children of all abilities the chance to play together. A graduate of the Leadership Greater Syracuse Class of 2000, Nancy is a member of the Board of Directors of CenterState CEO, Early Childhood Alliance, and the United Way New York State Association. She is married to Doug Eaton and together they are blessed to have four adult children and seven grandchildren.