United Way

Karen Young joined United Way as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in June 2014. On April 26, 2016, United Way’s Board appointed Karen as President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2017.

Karen came to United Way from The City of Calgary where she served for 26 years as an award-winning visionary leader. In her role as Director of Community and Neighbourhood Services at The City, Karen led change management, strategic planning and policy, partnership management, funding and grant programs, financial administration, community relations, and program development initiatives. She was also instrumental in securing $480 million to build four new recreation facilities in Calgary, and led the Emergency Social Services efforts during the flood of 2013.

Karen is a visionary leader who believes in the value of partnerships and collaborations to achieve a common vision. She is a catalyst for social change and has been building momentum in communities since the 1980’s, driven by her belief that all Calgarians have the right to a good quality of life.