PROVIDENCE – Paola Fernandez, Centreville Bank’s senior vice president and community development officer, has been elected as the new chairperson of the United Way of Rhode Island Inc.’s board of directors, the nonprofit announced Monday.
Fernandez will succeed former Hasbro Inc. Chief Human Resources Officer Dolph Johnson as chair. Johnson recently completed his three-year term leading the nonprofit’s board, the United Way says.
Fernandez, the United Way says, has had a lengthy history of being involved with Rhode Island’s nonprofit sector and being committed to creating opportunities for everyone from all backgrounds. She has developed and currently leads Centreville Bank’s community development program, which serves both the Ocean State and Connecticut, the United Way says.
Additionally, Fernandez recently served as a senior Fellow at the Institute for Nonprofit Practice, is a member of The Champlin Foundation’s distribution committee, and sits on the boards of the Economic Progress Institute and the Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island, the United Way says.
“To be appointed chair of the board of directors for United Way of Rhode Island is an incredible honor – having previously worked within the organization, it is deeply humbling and one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” Fernandez said in a statement. “I’m excited to work with the board and alongside a team that’s so passionate and committed to making a positive impact in our community.”
James Bessette is the PBN special projects editor, and also covers the nonprofit and education sectors. You may reach him at Bessette@PBN.com. You may also follow him on X at @James_Bessette.