United Way of the Mohawk Valley has announced the appointment of Joe LaPaglia and Donald Darcangelo to its board of directors.
“Joe and Don both embody leadership, service, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of working families throughout our region,” said Sarah Macri, chief executive officer of the United Way of the Mohawk Valley. “Their combined experience, dedication to advocacy, and strong community ties will help further the mission of United Way of the Mohawk Valley.”
Both individuals bring decades of experience, labor advocacy, and community involvement to the organization’s mission of strengthening the Mohawk Valley community, officials said.
LaPaglia began his career with UFCW Local One in 1993 as a membership servicing representative, where he worked directly with union members by answering questions, maintaining member data, and building strong workplace relationships. In 1999, he was promoted to union representative, serving members from the Adirondacks to the Southern Tier, as well as Erie, Pennsylvania.
Throughout his career, LaPaglia has played an active role in labor organizing efforts and advocacy campaigns, including the “Wake-Up Walmart” initiative and organizing efforts at the Price Chopper Warehouse in Albany, the announcement said. He also assisted UFCW sister locals across the country, including participating in an eight-week campaign in Los Angeles opposing California Proposition 226, legislation viewed by labor leaders as an attempt to weaken workers’ collective voice.
Currently serving as servicing director for UFCW Local One, LaPaglia negotiates collective bargaining agreements across multiple industries while overseeing the work of union representatives throughout the organization.
“We are united in life, community and workplace,” LaPaglia said, voicing his support for the agency and its mission in the community.
Outside of work, LaPaglia enjoys coaching baseball, supporting the New York Yankees, and watching his youngest son, Vincenzo, play youth hockey. He lives in Utica with his wife, Nicole, and son Vincenzo. His oldest son, Joseph, is a graduate of University at Buffalo and works as an engineer at Micron Technology.
Darcangelo serves as the assistant business agent with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 112. A graduate of Rome Free Academy, Darcangelo began the apprenticeship program in 1986 and became a journeyman in 1990.
In addition to his role with Local #112, Darcangelo serves on the organization’s Board of Trustees, helping oversee pension, health, and annuity benefits for members. He has also served as a delegate on the Central New York Labor Council since 2023.
“I am a lifelong resident of the Mohawk Valley” said Darcangelo. “In my opinion, there is no better place to live and raise a family. The future looks bright. Serving on the board of the United Way will be a great way for me to give back to the community.”