After 15 years of dedicated service to United Way of Erie County, Mike Jaruszewicz has officially stepped into the role of President, following the retirement of longtime leader Laurie Root. Throughout his career, Mike has played a key role in shaping the organization’s direction and deepening its impact across Erie County, most notably through the growth and success of United Way Community Schools. As he begins this next chapter, Mike brings both a deep understanding of our work and a clear vision for the future. We sat down with him to reflect on his journey, leadership philosophy, and what’s ahead.
Q: You’ve been with United Way of Erie County for 15 years and have witnessed significant growth and change. How has the organization evolved during that time, and what excites you most as you step into the role of president?
A:When I started with United Way of Erie County, we were still following the traditional transactional impact model United Ways were founded upon, where United Ways would run an annual campaign and then distribute those funds to a variety of community organizations through an annual allocation process. That approach had done a lot of good over the years, but in 2012, there was recognition by our local board volunteers and staff that we needed to deepen our impact by being more strategic with how we leveraged our resources. That came after a strategic planning session where the question was posed, “If United Way was starting over today, would you deploy the organization’s resources the same way they are right now?” No board or staff in the room raised their hand. As a result, we started a multi-year journey of narrowing our focus, eventually leading us to where we are today, laser focused on removing barriers to student success through the Community School Model.
What excites me the most is seeing our efforts paying off and having the privilege to lead the organization into our next phase of impact. When we first piloted the Community School Model in the 2016-17 school year, we knew reaching our intended outcomes would be a marathon and not a sprint. But through our data-driven strategies, a nationally recognized Community School Model, and the support of scores of corporate and community partners, we are now positively impacting a whole new generation, helping students so they can be successful in their chosen career pathway and contribute positively to our community in the years to come.
Q: You previously led United Way’s Community Schools work (formerly Community Impact). How has that experience shaped your leadership approach, and how will it influence your vision as president?
A: I have been very fortunate in that we have an incredibly skilled, motivated, and passionate staff at United Way, so I have always tried to leverage my team through a collaborative leadership approach.
When I took over the Community Impact Department in 2018, we were a department of two. However, within a few years and as our Community School Model started expanding, the department grew to 30. That time period was filled with rapid transition, innovation, and creativity as we evolved the Community School Model to what it is today. And that would not have been possible without the input and contributions of my colleagues.
While I work to provide my team with a clear vision of what we need to accomplish and support them in their specific roles, I also try to foster an environment of collaboration and open communication where each can be connected to the work being led by others. I also find great value in giving my team an opportunity to participate in planning and problem-solving discussions, so their unique talents and expertise are leveraged to provide diverse perspectives on a given question or problem. That doesn’t mean there is always consensus, but it does provide space for open dialogue and gives me a well-rounded perspective for decision-making.
Q: As president, what do you see as United Way’s greatest opportunity to deepen its impact in Erie County over the next few years?
A: I see sustaining and expanding our Community School Model as the greatest opportunity to deepen our impact in Erie County. We have developed a nationally recognized model and are implementing it in 17 schools in four Erie County School districts, including Erie's Public Schools, Girard School District, Iroquois School District, and Union City Area School District. We know the model is successful in removing non-academic barriers to learning. And we have built an incredible network of Corporate and Funding Partners, as well as committed and generous private donors, who are helping to fund the work. We also have a network of community partners helping us implement the strategies. It is going to take much more financial support to maintain the partnerships we have in place and expand to support even more students in new community schools, so that will be a central focus for the organization and me in the years to come.
Q: Throughout your career at United Way, relationships have been central to the work. How do you plan to continue fostering trust and collaboration with staff, partners, and the broader community in your new role?
A: I hope those I work with see me as fair, objective, transparent, respectful, and compassionate, because that is how I try to carry myself. And those are the qualities I apply to relationship building. I have always tried to take the high road, even if it is the more challenging pathway to follow. And I have always tried to put aside my differences in opinion when fostering collaboration, if we are all focused on the greater good. I was fortunate to have been selected as a 2006-2007 Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, and Rotary’s mantra of Service Above Self has resonated with me ever since. I am very proud of the work United Way is leading in our community, and I know that is only possible if our team works well together and if we can effectively collaborate with other organizations and community leaders.
Q: What does success look like to you, not just for United Way, but for the community it serves?
A:To me, success is reflected pretty succinctly in United Way of Erie County’s Vision Statement – that the Erie region is a collaborative community of opportunity where all students succeed and all families thrive. I realize that is very aspirational, but I believe it is important to set high expectations. We only reach as high as the bar is set, so let’s set it high. And I like to consider myself both a realist and an optimist. I truly believe great things can happen, but you need to have a solid plan, secure the appropriate resources, and put in the work. Impact at scale does not happen overnight, but it is possible. I love this community very much and am so very thankful to be in the position to lead an organization working to make the changes our community needs and deserves, so students and families can reach their potential.
As Mike steps into this new role, he brings a sense of curiosity and adventure that extends well beyond the office. Fun fact: he served with the Peace Corps in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, where he also met his partner, Andrea. He’s been a certified scuba diver since he was 17, has run (and survived) a marathon, played in the 2001 Save an Eye Football Game, and has spent time backpacking through Southeast Asia, mountain biking, and camping in Tasmania. He also spent time studying abroad in Australia, where he completed his master’s degree at the University of Melbourne through a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship.
These days, you’re just as likely to find Mike sailing his boat on Lake Erie in the summer as you are working alongside partners and community members to help move Erie County forward.
We look forward to Mike's leadership, perspective, and continued impact he will bring as President of United Way of Erie County.
