Faye B. Zuckerman has been named vice president of public relations at United Way of Rhode Island. She will be responsible for managing the annual public relations plan and serves as the organization’s primary media contact. Zuckerman joins the United Way after a 20-year career as a reporter and editor at The Providence Journal. She currently serves as an adjunct professor of communications at Roger Williams University. Zuckerman has a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin.
PBN: What are your plans as the new vice president of public relations at United Way of Rhode Island?
ZUCKERMAN: I am looking forward to making a direct difference in the community. I’m excited to be at ground zero of the kinds of initiatives United Way has put in place to affect the lives of Rhode Islanders. I have arrived at United Way during tough economic times. The role of the organization will become even more imperative in the coming months. There’s a lot of concern about housing, jobs and the success of our children, and United Way is addressing those issues by not only offering immediate solutions, but supplying long-term answers. In addition, I will be playing a major role in expanding the online communications for United Way by improving its presence on the Web as well as in the print and broadcast media.
PBN: How has a career in journalism transferred into the field of media relations for a nonprofit?
ZUCKERMAN: There are so many compelling stories to tell here at United Way, and I will use my skills that I developed during nearly 20 years at The Providence Journal to tell those stories. I have seen the best and the worst of nonprofits as the former society writer for the Journal. My unique experience and 20 years of journalism experience have positioned me to communicate the needs of the nonprofits and get the word out.
PBN: What are some of United Way’s upcoming events or current programs that are open to, or encourage, corporate or public involvement?
ZUKERMAN: United Way is going through some exciting times. The Web site has been revamped and updated, and United Way has introduced a whole new branding, “LIVE UNITED.” (READ MORE) Soon, the organization will [join] Facebook and add to its ever-growing Web site blogs. I will be part of shining a spotlight on the United Way’s goal to take on and head off problems. There are opportunities to advocate, volunteer and give. •
The United Way of Rhode Island – a nonprofit that traces its roots back to the 1926 founding of the former Providence Community Fund – is dedicated to mobilizing the caring power of the community to improve the lives of people in need. It is a member of the HousingWorks Rhode Island affordable-housing coalition. For more information, visit www.uwri.org.
