After several years of leading the United Way of Thurston County, Executive Director Paul Knox has announced his departure by the end of 2017.
“I love United Way and am excited about our strategic direction, but after seven years, I am looking forward to a new set of adventures. I have plans to take some time to reflect and look at my options as well as engage in two real estate development projects,” stated Paul Knox.
Knox joined the United Way of Thurston County in January 2010 following a position as Managing Director of the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development. He also served as a member of the Boards of Trustees for United Way of Thurston County from 2007-2009 and Climate Solutions from 2001-2010. He was selected to follow in the footsteps of Pam Toal who guided the agency for eight years previously.
“It has been a great run, working with dedicated staff and committed board members. I am most proud that over the past seven years that we have accomplished so many critical things for Thurston County. These include: taking the lead role locally in promoting and expanding volunteerism; developing the innovative Community Investment Partnership with local government; growing the Northwest’s largest chapter of Women United; creating the innovative Right from the Start parent education program; and financially supporting an amazing array of great programs that improve the lives of struggling people in Thurston County,” stated Knox.
“Paul’s leadership has been a tremendous asset for the United Way of Thurston County. He is an innovative change-maker with a true passion for serving the people of our community, particularly the most vulnerable,” noted Liz Davis, Board Chair of United Way of Thurston County. “He will be greatly missed, but we are thankful that his exit will not be a goodbye, merely a transition as he takes on other community projects.”
Under the leadership of the Board of Directors, United Way of Thurston County will be launching a national search to find a new executive director starting in June.
