United Way chief to retire

YOUNGSTOWN — Don Cagigas will retire as president and chief professional officer of the Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way, effective June 30, 2008.

Cagigas, who will have served as United Way president and CPO for eight years when he retires, announced his plans at the Wednesday morning meeting of the Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way Executive Committee.

He was named president of the Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way on April 1, 2000. Under his leadership, the local United Way has raised some $21 million for the benefit of the local community.

Additionally, during Cagigas’ tenure, the Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way Endowment Fund grew from $190,000 to $2 million. He also led the transition to a “community impact” strategy that broadened United Way’s mission from fundraising and grant-making to one that seeks to make measurable improvement in major social problems.

Cagigas said he will stay active in the community and looks forward to spending more time with his family. He and his wife Gloria have two adult children, Lisa and David, and two grandchildren.