In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, host Sarah Olivieri interviews Susan Parks, President and CEO of Orange County United Way. Susan shares her journey from being a donor to becoming a leading figure in the organization, and discusses the strategic planning processes that have driven significant impact in the community. The conversation touches on setting measurable goals, the importance of collaborative research, and innovative programs addressing homelessness, financial security, and student success. Learn valuable tips for effective nonprofit leadership and strategic planning, and get inspired by the success stories from Orange County United Way.

As President and CEO of Orange County United Way, Susan B. Parks leads the nonprofit

organization’s mission to improve lives and strengthen the Orange County community.

Parks has a long history with the organization as a former board member and one of the

founding members of Orange County United Way’s Women’s Philanthropy Fund.

She was also an active player in the development of the nonprofit’s 10-year strategic plan

to achieve substantial and sustainable social change in our county. Under Parks’

leadership, the organization launched three key initiatives (United to End HomelessnessSM,

United for Financial SecuritySM and United for Student SuccessSM), which tackle the Orange

County community’s most critical issues and seek to provide long-term solutions that break

the cycle.

She also spearheaded the organization's acquisition of 2-1-1 Orange County (211OC), a key service that connects thousands of the community's most vulnerable residents with health and human service resources via a free, 24-hour emergency contact center.

Prior to joining United Way, she held executive roles in several Fortune 500 and 1000 companies, in addition to being an entrepreneur.

Parks has received numerous accolades including the 2023 LA Times Inspirational Women in Leadership Award, 2021 Excellence in Executive Leadership Honoree Award by the CSU Fullerton’s Center for Leadership, the 2020 Woman of the Year Award from Congressman Lou Correa, the Impact 2020 CEO of the Year Award, and many others.

Parks currently serves on the Commission to End Homelessness and is a member of the University of California,Irvine (UCI) Chief Executive Roundtable.

Connect with Susan:

>>Website: https://www.unitedwayoc.org
>>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-parks-92a5185/
>>Instagram: