January 19, 2005

Carolyn Casey receives first Agenda Setter Award from UWMB

BOSTON -- Carolyn Casey of Charlestown, director of Social Enterprise for Timberland was named the first recipient of United Way of Massachusetts Bay’s (UWMB) Agenda Setter Award, which recognizes a young Boston professional who will lead UWMB’s new Agenda Setters Fellowship Program for the upcoming year. Casey will be paired with Chad Gifford, chairman of Bank of America who will serve as her mentor. Together Gifford and Casey will work with a team of selected aspiring young leaders to address a social problem in one of UWMB’s four impact areas – children, youth, affordable housing or sustainable employment.

“Boston’s corporate and civic landscape is changing. This new program seeks to develop the young leaders and philanthropists who will chart the future direction of our city,” said Milton J. Little, Jr., president and CEO of UWMB. “We are thrilled Chad Gifford, one of the most civic minded individuals in Boston, will help us steer this important project. It guarantees we will continue to solve the most pressing issues in the community with the best and brightest of a new generation.”

According to Little, Casey was selected because of her professional and civic dedication to helping individuals and communities thrive. Prior to joining Timberland in 2000, Casey spent a decade in political, legislative and non-profit management positions. Most recently, she served as the director of National Affairs for City Year, a national youth service organization committed to the development of civic leaders and the strategic use of service as a means to break down social barriers.

Casey graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, and received her Masters in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at the Harvard University. She serves as a founding steering committee member of Business Strengthening America, as an active volunteer with City Year, Share Our Strength and Sports and Society, and on various community and civic boards.

Media inquires should contact:
Jeff Bellows
Phone: 617-624-8250
Fax: 617-624-9114
E-mail: jbellows@uwmb.org