ONEIDA AND HERKIMER COUNTIES, N.Y. – After an extensive search and interview process, United Way of the Mohawk Valley Board of Directors named Matthew Caracas the organization’s CEO.
“The Board of Directors and myself welcome Matt and look forward to his contributions,” stated United Way MV Board President Matthew Nicholl. “During the interview process, Matt’s qualifications to lead this organization and his immense passion for the Mohawk Valley community shined. Matt comes ready with great ideas and energy to keep moving United Way MV and our community forward.”
Caracas is a resident of West Utica. He spent several childhood years in New Hartford and Rome, graduating from Rome Free Academy. Caracas received his degrees locally from Mohawk Valley Community College in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Sociology.
Caracas has spent more than 20 years dedicating his life to human services by working with inner-city youth, child welfare, and case management. Caracas’ leadership capability, from the early days of his career to his most recent role with The House of the Good Shepherd, has curated his ability to lead important initiatives, large-scale projects, community relationships, capacity building, and organizational management.
Caracas has many professional accomplishments instituting initiatives and programs aimed at creating a better quality of life for those of the Mohawk Valley. Caracas’ achievements include helping to establish one of the first Health Homes Serving Children networks in the Mohawk Valley as part of the CNYHHN Inc., advancing a racial and ethnic diversity initiative for minority youth while at ICAN, and developing and operationalizing one of New York State’s first Raise the Age programs.
“During the COVID pandemic, when around-the-clock care and supervision of juveniles was required, I found creative ways to build a resilient culture for our staff and clients,” said United Way MV’s CEO, Matthew Caracas. “I am excited to take my innovative problem-solving mindset to United Way MV to continue to support this staff, our non-profit network, and the people we serve in this community.”
Matthew Caracas began as United Way MV’s CEO on March 13, 2023.
About United Way of the Mohawk Valley
Since 1921, United Way of the Mohawk Valley (United Way MV) has been a human service leader helping thousands of local individuals and families by bringing people and organizations together to solve our community’s challenges. As one of the area’s top funders, dozens of programs rely on United Way MV funding yearly.
United Way MV is a leader in innovation through projects and initiatives addressing crucial community health, education, and financial stability issues. For information about United Way of the Mohawk Valley, to donate or to get involved, visit www.unitedwaymv.org, or call 315.733.4691
