United Way of Greater Waterbury announces that Steven Schneider, M.D., MBA, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital, is stepping into the role of 2021-2022 campaign chair.
Each year, the non-profit organization raises funds that are used to address community issues in the three impact areas of Basic Needs, Education, and Financial Stability.
Dr. Schneider explained, “I’ve felt very welcomed by everyone associated with United Way, including outgoing chair John Hopkins, [CEO and president of Post University]. I appreciated his honesty as he described the responsibilities I’m taking on. Of course, his was an especially interesting campaign, occurring as it did during the pandemic, and the $4.1 million raised last year is a testament to everyone involved, most notably the donors who recognize what can be done to improve our community.”
Meghan Morin, chief development officer for United Way, said, “If you are at all familiar with the campaign chairs who’ve taken on this role over the years, you realize how incredibly fortunate our organization is. Each one has brought unique leadership qualities to inspire the team as we get out in front of donors to explain what United Way does.”
She added, “The chair sets the tone each year. This is not an honorary position but one where our community leaders really get into the details of the campaign. They share insights that are invaluable as we study needs and develop our fundraising approaches. John was amazing. We could bounce ideas off him as our traditional methods of showing up in person had to be replaced with virtual and other options. Many of those ideas were so successful, we’re keeping them as we move into this new campaign. I can’t wait to see what Dr. Schneider will do.”
The doctor will be joined by Adriana P. Florez, chief human resources officer at St. Mary’s Hospital, as she takes on the role of campaign vice chair. He has also recruited more than 25 business and community leaders to serve on his Campaign Leadership Council to help with the campaign.
Kristen Jacoby, president and CPO of United Way of Greater Waterbury, said, “Dr. Schneider has long been a supporter of what we do so I’m thrilled to welcome him as campaign chair. His compassion, energy, and expertise in leading complex projects are why I look forward to our campaign kickoff breakfast, set for Thursday, September 9, when everyone will know why we are excited to have Dr. Schneider and Adriana on board!”
Since 2018, Dr. Schneider has led one of six hospitals in the Trinity Health Of New England regional healthcare ministry, previously serving as president of Franklin Medical Group, the hospital owned physician group, for seven years. He headed the creation of Saint Mary’s accountable care organization, Valley Health Alliance, a value-based and population management health care initiative and helped the hospital establish five urgent care centers in Cheshire, Naugatuck, Wolcott and on East and Main Streets in Waterbury.
The doctor is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical School and trained in emergency medicine at Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis, Washington, before attaining the rank of major in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. After leaving the military, Dr. Schneider completed his residency in Psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven.
United Way of Greater Waterbury has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for three consecutive years, based on its fiscal stability and ability to adhere to best practices as it mobilizes our ten-town region, amplifies its resources, and invests in approaches that advance equity and measurable outcomes.
United Way of Greater Waterbury’s service area includes Bethlehem, Cheshire, Middlebury, Prospect, Southbury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown, Wolcott, and Woodbury. www.unitedwaygw.org.