SHELTON, Conn. — The president and COO of the Valley United Way will retire from his position this fall after leading the organization for 27 years.
John J. "Jack" Walsh began his career in 1989 with the Valley United Way, which serves Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton. He will be retiring at the end of November.
Walsh, a lifelong resident of Derby, has been "committed and passionate about making the Valley a better place to live and work," the United Way said in announcing his retirement.
During his leadership, Walsh helped Valley United Way create successful programs to strengthen collaboration and build resources, including the Youth Leadership Program, Volunteer Center, and Valley Council for Health and Human Services and Leadership Greater Valley.
In addition, Walsh was instrumental in the creation and execution of the Corporate Cup, a collaborative event with Griffin Hospital, Valley YMCA and Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce to improve health and wellness for Valley employees through fun, competitive events. He was also one of the leaders of the group that earned the Valley the All America City Award in 2000.
During his time at Valley United Way, Walsh was the longest serving chair of the Chief Professional Officers Council for United Way of Connecticut and is a past member of their Board of Directors.
He also serves on many community committees, including the Derby Greenway Committee, Electronic Valley Project, Derby Neck Library, Derby/Shelton Rotary and Derby Historical Society.
Before his time at Valley United Way, Walsh was a teacher in Shelton and Derby, head coach of the Shelton High Schools boys basketball team, and director of the Recreation Camp in Derby, one of Valley United Way’s funded partners.
He is a past recipient of the Great Valley Chamber of Commerce Gold and Platinum Seal Awards, Valley Council’s Lewis Savitsky Staff Excellence Award, Derby Historical Society’s Dr. John I. Howe Award, Parent Child Resource Center’s Outstanding Service to Children and Families Award, YMCA’s Strong Community Builder Award, Spirit of St. Mary St. Michael School Award and Griffin Hospital’s Caring Heart Award.
In addition, Walsh was named to the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley Alumni Association Hall of Fame.
Valley United Way's mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community through philanthropy, volunteerism, and collaboration.
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