The Tri-County United Way named Brian Bearor as its new leader, effective Sept. 7.
Bearor will succeed Duane Vaughn, prior executive director, and Peter Aust who has led the organization for the past 10 months as interim executive director during the strategic planning and search process.
Bearor will be responsible for leading the United Way’s strategic goals of inspiring hope, improving lives and creating opportunities for all of Warren, Washington, and northern Saratoga counties. He is also charged with building organizational capacity to support area nonprofits as well as identifying and addressing community issues.
“During our search for a new director, the diligent and dedicated members of the search committee spoke with exceptional candidates across the region. It was a difficult choice, but Brian stood out among the highly competitive field. His vision and clear passion for the Tri- County United Way and our region is exactly what we were looking for in our new leader” said David Krogmann, president of the Tri-County United Way board of directors.
“With Brian’s experience in community development and creating a mission-focused culture, we were convinced that the Tri-County United Way will have engaging and innovative leadership for the years to come.”
Bearor has served as the CEO at the Family YMCA of the Glens Falls Area for 12 years and the Y Movement for 29 years. While there, he has driven significant growth in partnerships, supporting those most vulnerable, and philanthropic support. He launched new initiatives including expansion to serve the Southern Adirondacks by opening the YMCA Adirondack Center in Brant Lake as well as the YMCA Regional Wellness Center in Chestertown.
“It’s been a great privilege to serve the Glens Falls YMCA and the Y Movement. I will miss the volunteers and staff as well as the people we have served. I am thrilled to join the United Way family and to have the opportunity to work with such passionate staff and volunteers,” said Bearor. “I believe in the power of the United Way to be a force for good in the communities we serve and will work diligently to expand the mission and impact of the Tri-County United Way.”
He has held both national and community leadership positions that include serving on the Adirondack Health Institute board of directors and as former vice chair of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce board of directors. He also served as chair of the National YMCA of the USA Small and Midsized CEO Cabinet and the State Alliance of New York State board of directors.
He is a Queensbury native.
Tri-County United Way fights for the Health, Education and Financial Stability of every person in our community. The agency collaborates, convenes, and partners to support programs and initiatives that break the cycle of poverty, promote a healthy community where children are successful from kindergarten through graduation to a career, and where families have the tools, skills, and support they need to become financially independent.
Headquarters are at 696 Upper Glen St., Queensbury.
For more information about the United Way or to schedule an interview with Tri-County United Way’s leadership, contact Aust at peter.aust@tricountyunitedway.org, 518-793-3136.