UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY CEO NANCY L. SASAKI ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – MAY 28, 2025 – Following a distinguished seven-year tenure as CEO of the United Way of San Diego County (UWSD), the organization’s board of directors announced today that Nancy L. 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.
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. Today, in partnership with local organizations, leaders, and community members, UWSD uses innovation, leveraged resources, and community-based strategy to resolve inequities and transform lives. United Way of San Diego County is passionately committed to addressing institutional disparities through the implementation of economic and educational initiatives.
Supporting United Way of San Diego County means investing in children’s success from an early age and providing holistic family economic support so that all San Diegans can thrive. The nonprofit’s current programs focus on education and literacy support for early learners, college and career pathways for high school students, and tax assistance initiatives that enhance economic mobility for individuals and families. United Way of San Diego County believes that together, we can face critical challenges and build a stronger, more equitable community. United with community partners, UWSD cultivates a collective passion for deep systemic change, and impacts the lives of San Diegans county-wide. Learn more and get involved by visiting uwsd.org and following @unitedwaysd on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Ann Marie Price
Scatena Daniels Communications
annmarie@scatenadaniels.com