United Way of Broward County is pleased to announce that Cicely Strickland-Ruiz has joined the non-profit organization as its new Chief Strategy Officer. In her new role at United Way of Broward County, Strickland-Ruiz will focus on organizational leadership, implementing strategy and operational structure, revenue generation and fundraising for Impact, along with supporting marketing and communications efforts and providing staff leadership. Her day-to-day work will complement the efforts of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Program Officer (CPO) by bridging the gap between the CEO and all operations.
Strickland-Ruiz brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit, education, and human service industries to United Way of Broward County. She most recently served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, where she implemented strategies to increase revenue, reduce costs, strengthen customer relationships and improve business practices. Prior to taking on the role as COO, Strickland-Ruiz served as the Chief Development Officer leading a team of 20 fundraising professionals to raise more than $30 million annually through workplace campaigns, corporate giving and individual philanthropy.
“We are pleased to have Cicely join United Way of Broward County’s leadership team,” said Kathleen Cannon, President/CEO of United Way of Broward County. “She is a seasoned professional and visionary leader who will oversee our organization’s strategic planning, as well as the integration and execution of our community and fundraising initiatives that help so many people in Broward County.”
“I am honored and excited to be joining United Way of Broward County’s team,” said Strickland-Ruiz, “I look forward to continuing to accelerate and expand the organization’s impact in Broward County by raising crucial dollars to support our vulnerable populations with access to health, education and financial prosperity.”
Strickland-Ruiz believes that giving back through service is a personal responsibility. Prior to moving to South Florida, she lived in Rochester, New York where she served as Vice Chair on the Executive Board of RESOLVE of Greater Rochester, was a member of the Irondequoit Public Library Board of Trustees, was a board member for the Center for Governmental Research and participated on the RIT Saunders College of Business Management and the Roberts Wesleyan College Multicultural Advisory Boards. She was also a member of a number of business and community organizations including the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Young Professionals, Rochester Chapter of The Links, Inc. and Rochester Women’s Network. In addition, she volunteered as a mentor with Women Helping Girls and the Rochester City School District, and prepared taxes as a volunteer with United Way-supported C.A.S.H. program.
Strickland-Ruiz completed her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and her Master of Science degree in Strategic Leadership at Roberts Wesleyan College. She is also an alumnus of United Way African American Leadership Development Program and Leadership Rochester. She believes in supporting the community where she lives and worked as a member of United Way Women’s Leadership Council and African American Leadership Giving Societies.
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About United Way of Broward County
United Way of Broward County is a volunteer-driven, community-based, nonprofit organization servicing Broward County for more than 80 years. United Way of Broward County fights for the Health, Education, and Financial Prosperity of EVERY person in our community. United Way of Broward County is the catalyst for change and convener of partnerships that unite the hearts, minds, and resources within the Broward community. For more information, please visit UnitedWayBroward.org.
- January 14, 2022
- January 14, 2022
