By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–Following a distinguished seven-year tenure as CEO of the United Way of San Diego County (UWSD), the organization’s board of directors announced Wednesday that Nancy Sasaki will retire at the end of the year. A regional search for a new CEO will begin soon.
Serving for more than four decades in the nonprofit sector, Sasaki’s impact on the San Diego region has been profound. Since beginning her nonprofit journey in 1981 and moving to San Diego in 1990, she has been a tireless advocate for equitable access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.
“Leading United Way of San Diego County has been a full-circle experience,” said Sasaki. “I started as a health educator and now find myself influencing education and economic mobility across our region. It’s been an incredible honor to work alongside such passionate staff, board members, and community partners to improve lives every day.”
During her time at UWSD, Sasaki strengthened the organization’s focus on education and economic mobility, launched key initiatives such as United for Literacy, STEAM-to-Careers, and SparkPoint, and expanded the San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition to 45 partner organizations to provide tax support to families in need. Her leadership has helped UWSD become a collaborative, mission-driven force in San Diego County.
“Nancy has led with integrity, heart, and vision during a time when organizations are competing for attention and resources,” said Leslie Oliver, chair of the UWSD Board of Directors. “Because of her leadership, United Way of San Diego County is well-positioned to build on its momentum and continue driving meaningful change in our community through collaboration and volunteerism.”
Sasaki will serve until December 31, 2025. The UWSD Board has formed a search committee and will launch a regional search for Sasaki’s successor. Details about the search and application process will be posted soon at www.uwsd.org.
