United Way of Laramie County

Vernon became the Executive Director for United Way of Laramie County on June 1^st of last year. He brings with him over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit arena.

After graduating from Northeast Missouri State University with a degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology, Vernon became a police officer with the St. Louis County Police Department. Later he became a correctional officer at the maximum-security United States Penitentiary in Marion, Illinois.

His education and work experience in the social sciences eventually led Vernon to pursue studies in pastoral ministry. He completed a five-year course of study through Paul VI (6) Pontifical Institute in St. Louis, Missouri with an emphasis on serving the poor and marginalized members of society. 

Vernon eventually came to Cheyenne in 2009 as the Director of Pastoral Ministries for the Diocese of Cheyenne. He stayed in that role through 2018.

Before coming to United Way of Laramie County as the Executive Director, Vernon had been serving as the Director of Operations for the homeless shelter in Greeley, Colorado.

Vernon’s understanding of current social issues, his experience in managing operations of nonprofit organizations, and his ability to raise funds for philanthropic endeavors, will be a tremendous asset for United Way of Laramie County.