Veteran nonprofit leader brings more than 25 years of experience advancing education, literacy, and community-driven solutions
SAN DIEGO, CA — United Way of San Diego County today announced Rachael Orose has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2026. With more than 25 years of nonprofit experience, Orose brings deep expertise in literacy, education, organizational leadership, and building strong community partnerships to expand opportunity for children and families.
“Rachael is a proven, mission-driven leader with a track record of strengthening organizations and delivering impact,” said Leslie Oliver, United Way of San Diego County Board Chair. “Her commitment to education and economic mobility, paired with her ability to engage volunteers, partners, and donors, makes her the right leader to help advance United Way’s work across San Diego County.”
Orose most recently served as the Executive Director of Words Alive, a San Diego-based nonprofit that connects children, teens, and families to the power of reading. In that role, she strengthened volunteer engagement, financial sustainability, and collaborative community partnerships to help more young people develop a lifelong love of learning.
“I’m honored to join United Way of San Diego County and to work alongside our staff, board, partners, volunteers, and supporters,” said Orose. “United Way has a powerful legacy of bringing people together to create real change. I’m excited to build on that momentum, advancing transformative education and economic mobility initiatives that ensure opportunity for all San Diegans. Too many individuals and families are struggling, and I wholeheartedly believe that, united, we have the power to change that.”
Originally from Michigan, Orose holds a graduate degree in public and nonprofit administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and an undergraduate degree in the same field from Grand Valley State University. Her leadership experience spans national, regional, and local organizations focused on expanding resources and pathways for children and families in low-income and historically disinvested communities.
Prior to her work in San Diego, Orose held senior leadership roles, including Vice President at The Molina Foundation (Long Beach, CA), Manager of Corporate Strategy at the American Red Cross (Washington, D.C.), and Senior Director at First Book (Washington, D.C.), along with numerous positions at community-based organizations in New York and Michigan.
As President and CEO, Orose will lead United Way of San Diego County’s efforts to strengthen communities through initiatives that support educational success and economic mobility, helping more individuals and families thrive today and for generations to come.
“Leading United Way of San Diego County has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Nancy L. Sasaki, outgoing President and CEO. “Rachael is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to education and opportunity. I’m confident she will build on United Way’s momentum, strengthen our partnerships across the region, and help drive even greater impact for children and families throughout San Diego County.”
About United Way of San Diego County
For over 100 years, United Way of San Diego County has remained devoted to its mission of sparking breakthrough community action that elevates every child, individual, and family toward a brighter future. As a trusted community leader, UWSD works collaboratively with diverse communities across San Diego County, identifying areas of greatest need and working tirelessly to make a meaningful impact. Today, in partnership with schools, businesses, policymakers, nonprofits, and government agencies, United Way of San Diego County harnesses collective strengths to address longstanding disparities, so all San Diegans have the resources and support needed to achieve educational success and financial stability.
The nonprofit organization’s current initiatives focus on bridging gaps in the community, from early childhood literacy support to high school career readiness programs, as well as providing economic resources for individuals and families in need. United Way of San Diego County believes that united with community partners, we can forge pathways to opportunity, ensuring that all San Diegans can thrive at every stage of life. Learn more and get involved by visiting uwsd.org and following @unitedwaysd on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn.