Our Leadership Team
Karen Young
President & Chief Executive Officer
Karen Young (she/her) is President and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way), a visionary leader who knows the power of partnership and collaboration to achieve a common purpose. Karen joined United Way as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2014, before becoming President and Chief Executive Officer in 2017. Under her leadership, United Way has raised nearly $600 million for the local Calgary community, delivering a profound impact to people who need it the most.
Prior to joining United Way, Karen worked with The City of Calgary for over 20 years as an award-winning leader. As director of Community and Neighbourhood Services, she was instrumental in securing $480 M to build four new recreation facilities in Calgary and led the Emergency Social Services efforts during the historic 2013 Alberta Floods. Karen worked closely with United Way over the years on many projects, including the Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative, Calgary AfterSchool, and the Calgary Local Immigration Partnership.
She has served on Calgary community boards and committees, including the Calgary Homeless Foundation. Currently a Chapter Executive for the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) – Calgary and a member of the Leadership Group for The City of Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy. In 2020, Karen was awarded the inaugural Calgary Influential Women in Business Award in the Social Enterprise category.
She earned a master’s certificate in Municipal Leadership from York University, and holds a Bachelor of General Studies in Leisure, Recreation, and Tourism from the University of Calgary.
A catalyst for social change who has been building momentum in communities for most of her career, Karen is driven by her belief that all Calgarians have the right to a good quality of life.
Rhonda Roth
Chief Operating Officer
Rhonda Roth (she/her) is the Chief Operating Officer at United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way). A collaborative and strategic leader, Rhonda catalyzes community change and builds awareness and support for United Way to improve local lives. As Chief Operating Officer, Rhonda’s portfolio includes Community Impact and Partnerships, Government Relations and Strategic, Business, and Operational planning. Under her leadership, United Way is driving sustainable solutions for complex social issues.
Rhonda has a track record of motivating high-performing teams and more than two decades of leadership experience in the not-for-profit sector, with specialization in health care and the social sector. Rhonda believes that everyone can make a difference and is passionate about creating a community where everyone thrives.
Kathleen MacPherson
Chief Development Officer
Kathleen MacPherson (she/her) is the Chief Development Officer at United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way). A strategic and relationship-driven leader, Kathleen fosters meaningful connections with donors, partner workplaces and foundations to ensure United Way has the resources to drive lasting community change.
During her career, Kathleen has been directly involved in raising more than $1 billion for various organizations across Calgary. With more than two decades of experience in fundraising and philanthropy, Kathleen has a proven track record of inspiring generosity and mobilizing support for social impact. She was the recipient of the Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2017, which speaks to her successes as a trusted and renowned fundraising professional. Kathleen is passionate about building a strong and caring community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Geoff Couldrey
Chief Transformation Officer
Geoff is the Chief Transformation Officer for United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way). He has a strong background in transformation, innovation and technology, and large-scale social impact initiatives in the mental health and child and youth spaces.
Geoff has held a number of leadership positions in the for-profit and non-profit worlds, including Chief Operating Officer for Classroom Champions (USA/Canada), Chief Operating Officer at Immigrant Services Calgary, and Executive Vice President for The Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Geoff is leading a team at United Way responsible for our largest signature initiative to date, Planet Youth, a five-year pilot to demonstrate the efficacy of the Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM) in addressing key issues for youth including mental health and wellbeing and substance misuse.
As part of the Transformation portfolio, Geoff is also leading innovation work of the Social Impact Lab and the Social Impact Lab Alberta project and is responsible for technology and the modernization of our digital infrastructure.