United Way Fox Cities announced that Mary Downs has been appointed its interim executive director.
Starting Oct. 10, Downs will serve as interim executive director while the United Way Fox Cities’ board of directors continues in its search for a permanent president and CEO.
The resignation of Peter Gianopoulos as president and CEO was announced unexpectedly in an email sent by United Way leadership to partner organizations Sept. 9. No reason has been given for the resignation.
“When the executive committee started the search for an interim CEO, one name kept coming up in conversations and that name was Mary Downs. Mary is so respected for the amazing things she has accomplished and for her reputation of serving our community,” said Kim Bassett, president of the board of directors, United Way Fox Cities. “While we will continue our search for permanent candidates, we could not ask for a better person to fill this role.”
Most recently, Downs was president and CEO of Catalpa Health, a mental health agency for children in the Fox Valley. Prior to her position with Catalpa, Downs worked in various leadership roles at Fox Valley Technical College, ThedaCare and spent more than 20 years at Thrivent. Outside of work, Downs has been an active community volunteer, serving on numerous boards in the Fox Valley, such as: Chaps Academy, Leadership Fox Cities, LEAVEN, Appleton Career Academy Governing Board, NAMI – Fox Valley, Appleton Downtown Rotary, NEW Mental Health Connection and Nonprofit Leadership Initiative.
“I am honored to carry forth the important mission and legacy of United Way Fox Cities,” said Downs.
To learn more about United Way Fox Cities and the many services it provides, visit unitedwayfoxcities.org.
