New United Way of CNY leader to start duties in February

SYRACUSE — The woman who has been leading the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is set to be the next leader of the United Way of Central New York. The local United Way’s board of directors has appointed Carrie Large as the organization’s new president and CEO, effective on Monday, Feb. 2. Described as a “seasoned nonprofit leader with a deep commitment” to the Central New York community, Large will succeed Nancy Kern Eaton, who retired on Dec. 31 after a distinguished career of service, the United Way said. “After an extensive and rigorous search, it became clear that Carrie Large is the visionary leader we need to shepherd United Way of Central New York,” Kerry Tarolli, who chairs the United Way of Central New York board of directors, said in the announcement. “Carrie’s proven track record of operational excellence and her authentic passion for our community make her uniquely qualified to address the evolving needs of our neighbors.” During her time with the zoo, Large was “instrumental in driving strategic growth, enhancing community engagement, and stewarding the organization through vital capital improvements.” Prior to her work at the zoo, Large spent nearly two decades in leadership roles at ACR Health, where she focused on operational management, fundraising, and community advocacy. Large holds a degree from SUNY Brockport and has been a resident of the Syracuse area for over 20 years. “I am incredibly honored to join United Way of Central New York, an organization that stands at the very heart of our community’s support system,” Large said. “Having spent my career working within the local nonprofit landscape, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of collaboration. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners to build a Central New York where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.” About the United Way of CNY The United Way of Central New York, which has operated for more than a century, works across sectors by bringing together individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and government partners to solve complex challenges and create lasting solutions. To meet evolving needs, it funds high-impact programs, coordinates partnerships, convenes stakeholders, delivers direct services, engages volunteers, and uses data to “drive collective impact,” per its announcement. United Way efforts focus on four key areas: youth opportunity, healthy community, financial security, and community resiliency. Working together with our donors, partners, and the people it serves, the organization says it is “building a Central New York where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”