United Way Welcomes New Director of Advancement

hiring of Katie CastroUnited Way of Southern Chautauqua County is pleased to announce the hiring of Katie Castro as its new Director of Advancement. 

“Katie is an experienced leader whose knowledge of nonprofits makes her an invaluable addition to our team,” said Amy Rohler, UWSCC Executive Director. “Her leadership and connections locally make her the perfect person to oversee our donor relations and to develop and manage our partnerships with the community. As Director of Advancement, she will work collaboratively to ensure the success of ongoing initiatives as well as develop and manage new opportunities for our growth and for long-term change in southern Chautauqua County.”

Each year, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County invests in the community by distributing funds to 29 local agencies which facilitate 42 programs. The Director of Advancement cultivates the many important relationships and strategic partnerships which help make that possible.

The founder and principal of Ally Co, a local venture and consulting studio for businesses and nonprofits, Castro is also a member of the preaching team at Zion Covenant Church, a board member of the Chautauqua Leadership Network, a member of the Women Speakers Collective – and mom to 3.

Katie describes herself as a speaker, strategist and social entrepreneur who has been building ideas and micro-movements since her youth toward a big mission – flourishing for all.

“In all the many different hats I wear, I am dedicated to innovation, collaboration and gritty optimism,” Castro said. “These are the lenses through which I look forward to approaching my new work at the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County.”

Castro joins an active team at United Way of Southern Chautauqua County during an exciting time in the organization’s 104-year history. Having just recently surpassed its 2023 Campaign goal of $1.4 million dollars and also completed a review of its funded programs, UWSCC is poised for growth and increased impact in the coming year. It is United Way of Southern Chautauqua County’s mission to mobilize the community to help every person and family improve their lives.

Castro is a Bemus Point native and graduate of Maple Grove High School. Having spent many years living and working in Honduras, she now makes her home in Bemus Point.

About United Way of Southern Chautauqua County
United Way of Southern Chautauqua County works to mobilize the community to take action through volunteerism, advocacy and donorship in order to improve the lives of local residents. In doing this, it is the agency’s goal to create long-term social change which produces well-educated, financially stable and healthy individuals and families. Our efforts are focused on four strategic areas: Academic Success, Health & Independence, A Ready Workforce, and Self Sufficiency.