United Way of Westchester and Putnam names Thomas Gabriel as president and CEO

After an extensive nationwide search, the United Way of Westchester and Putnam has named Thomas Gabriel as its incoming CEO and president. Gabriel, an award-winning seasoned nonprofit professional, will take over the role as of Oct. 7. He will succeed Alana Sweeny, who announced she was stepping away from the role in March after starting with the organization in 2014.

“Tom is a transformational leader who has a thorough understanding of the communities we serve and shares the values and vision of our United Way,” said June Blanc, chairwoman of the UWWP Board of Directors. “Under his stewardship, we are confident that we will enhance our impact throughout Westchester and Putnam and empower residents in the areas of education, income, and health.”

Gabriel, a 50-year-old South Salem resident, is currently the Chief Development Officer of Legal Services of the Hudson Valley. Prior to joining that organization in 2015, he was worked for Westchester Land Trust; United Way of Greenwich, VNA & Hospice Care Foundation of Hudson Valley and United Cerebral Palsy of Westchester.

“Helping individuals and families get the resources they need to better their lives is something that I have always been committed to doing,’’ said Gabriel. “The United Way understands that the mission that matters is breaking the cycle of poverty by helping people to become self-sufficient. That’s a winning mission, and one that I am excited to work towards along with the dedicated team at United Way of Westchester and Putnam.”

A community leader, Gabriel has served on UWWP’s Not-for-Profit Leadership Summit Committee for the past few years. He is also a board member for the Association of Development Officers.

Gabriel earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations and advertising and a master’s degree in business administration from Iona College. He was named the 2019 Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the Association of Development Officers and received the 2019 C-Suite Award from Westfair Communications.