Stuart Adelberg to Leave Greenwich United Way

Stuart Adelberg, President and CEO of Greenwich United Way, has announced that he will be leaving the organization shortly to take on a new role as CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County. Mr. Adelberg began his Greenwich United Way career in 1988 as Director of Communications. He later served in the critical positions of Director of Community Planning and Agency Relations and as Senior VP. He became President in 1999.

Describing his long tenure Adelberg noted, “I have been so privileged to work alongside incredibly dedicated co-workers, the most committed volunteers and the most talented human services professionals. I can honestly say that I learned something new and valuable every single day that helped me to understand the importance of this wonderful organization, the value of its many partnerships, and the impact of its good work.

Throughout the Greenwich community there are dozens of essential programs and organizations that I have had the opportunity to help create and sustain.  I could not possibly be prouder.”

Greenwich United Way Board Chair Karen Keegan spoke for the entire organization:
“Not only has Stuart been the heart and soul of the Greenwich United Way, but he has earned the high praise and deep regard of countless town leaders in all areas of community service.”

“His dedication to meeting local human services needs over his accomplished tenure at the United Way has been a gift of immeasurable proportion to our town and beyond. His legacy of devotion to community service, his personal leadership, and his love of this organization is one of which the United Way family will forever be proud.”

Under Adelberg’s leadership, the organization transitioned from a traditional United Way, heavily reliant on corporate and workplace giving campaigns, to a non-profit with diversified sources of revenue including the expansion of individual giving programs, grants, major gifts and special events. He also greatly broadened and strengthened the United Way’s role in assessing local needs, issuing statistically driven reports and developing collaborative and sustainable solutions.

Asked about next steps for the Greenwich United Way following his departure, Adelberg
stressed the strength of the Board, staff and volunteers pointing out that the organization has been engaged over the past year in a robust strategic plan and is poised for significant positive growth. The Board and staff are committed to a smooth management transition, and are looking forward to working together to ensure that the organization continues to expand its community work under new leadership.

Adelberg is credited for his leadership in expanding early childhood education, the growth and coordination of local youth services, and focusing the community’s attention on the growing need for enhanced mental health services.

Additionally, he supervised, helped design, and co-authored the Greenwich United Way’s Workforce/Moderate Income Housing Study. This report put the issue of affordable housing on the community’s agenda, and helped leaders to begin to understand the costs of not addressing this growing need.  This effort ensured that affordable housing was provided a place of importance in the Town’s Ten Year Plan of Conservation and Development. It led to the proposal of new land use and zoning regulations intended to encourage the development of below market rate housing for varied populations.

According to Adelberg, “No one who knows me will be surprised that I have chosen to devote the next stage of my professional life to the issue of affordable housing.  My work with the United Way has helped me recognize that the lack of a safe, affordable and secure place to call home is the most essential barrier that must be addressed before one can begin to address any other critical issue in a person’s life.  It will be my privilege to work with Habitat for Humanity and help provide this very basic human need throughout Fairfield County, one family and one neighborhood at a time.”

Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County builds communities and improves lives by eliminating substandard housing and creating homeownership possibilities for motivated, hardworking low-income families. Since 1985 the organization has built 189 homes for over 849 family members in our region. While we have completed projects in Stamford and Stratford, we’re making the biggest difference in Bridgeport. 2015 marks the organization’s 30th anniversary, which will be celebrated throughout the year and culminate in the dedication of the 200th and 201st house as we look to the future, advocating for affordable housing. For more information, visit www.habitatcfc.org