United Way Vice President to Receive “40 Under 40” Award for Contributions to Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2006

Media Contact: Michelle Wade

203.772.2010, Ext.202
mwade@uwgnh.org

Jennifer McGrady Heath, Vice President for Community Leadership at United Way of Greater New Haven, has been selected to receive The New Haven Business Times “40 Under 40” award. The award recognizes 40 individuals under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions to the greater New Haven community in terms of professional achievement and community involvement. Heath and 39 other award recipients will be honored at a breakfast on Friday Oct. 6 at Amarante’s Sea Cliff in New Haven.

Heath is responsible for United Way’s community investments and civic engagement initiatives. She directly oversees Community Compass, a regional partnership to identify major issues and opportunities for change and Success By 6, a United Way-led effort to ensure that all children in the region are ready to learn and succeed by the time they begin school.

“I feel privileged to do this type of work,” said Heath. “In my work and volunteer roles, I have focused primarily on issues affecting children and families, including early care and education, after-school programs and k-12 education. It is very gratifying to be able to work with others in the community to improve lives and I am honored to be receiving this award.”

Prior to joining United Way, Heath was a non-profit consultant at Holt, Wexler and Farnam, where she assisted clients with strategic planning, program evaluation, and group facilitation. Her clients included local non-profits and foundations, several United Ways, and city and state government. Jennifer is also an elected member of the Hamden Board of Education.

Jack Healy, President and CEO of United Way of Greater New Haven, says, ”Jennifer is very deserving of this recognition. Her energy and experience are so valued at United Way but more than that her commitment to her community is truly inspiring.”
Jennifer is a graduate of Davidson College and holds a Master in Public Affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School for Public Affairs at Princeton University.

About United Way:
United Way mobilizes the caring power of our community to create measurable, sustainable change and to improve lives. To do this we: help identify our region's greatest needs and best opportunities for change; raise dollars and invest those dollars for results; connect people to their caring through volunteer opportunities.

More information about United Way of Greater New Haven's community leadership and how you can help can be found at www.uwgnh.org.

-###-