Trumbull United Way Names Cope New President/CEO

WARREN, Ohio – The United Way of Trumbull County announced Friday that Christine Cope would take over as president and CEO effective July 1.

Cope, currently the organization’s director of development and marketing, will succeed Ginny Pasha in the roles, the United Way chapter said in a news release Friday morning. The chapter’s board of directors unanimously approved the recommendations of Pasha and the executive committee naming Cope to the posts.

“Next year, we will celebrate 100 years of serving Trumbull County,” Cope, who has been with the Trumbull United Way since 2016, said. “We have a strong legacy we need to honor. As we look to the future, I’m excited to lead us in a new direction while aiding in solutions to complex issues facing our community.”

Cope has more than 25 years of proven strategic business leadership, according to a United Way news release. She has extensive experience in corporate strategy, organization planning, budget administration, and proven leadership capabilities.

Before joining United Way, she worked in the banking industry in various leadership positions. She most recently served in the role of Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at First National Bank where she led initiatives focused on organization-wide innovation and driving revenue and growth. Cope is a lifelong resident of Trumbull County and a graduate of Hiram College.

“The model has changed for United Way over the years so we re looking at new ways to expand our fundraising efforts and still meet the unique needs of Trumbull County,” Cope said.

In addition, the organization is coming into the last year of its current strategic plan will be regrouping to put together a new strategic plan for 2023 and beyond, she said. The chapter also is preparing for a planned move of its offices to downtown Warren.  

Previously, Pasha shared her desire to focus exclusively on programs and community partnerships and endorsed Cope for the leadership role.

Lisa Taddei, Board Chair for UWTC, said, “Pasha’s decision led the board to execute its succession plan to promote Cope,” Lisa Taddei, board chairwoman, said.

Pasha, who has been with the Trumbull United Way chapter since 2013, will transition to the newly created role of director of programming. During her tenure, she developed and implemented Reading Great by 8, a literacy initiative consisting of three programs designed to help kids read at grade level by grade 3.

She also worked with partner agencies to foster greater collaboration and executed a process to prioritize funding to best meet the community’s needs. Her vision and expertise have been an asset to the organization.

“We see this as a win-win situation with Cope expanding her leadership at UWTC and the opportunity to retain Pasha’s talents by creating a new role as director of programming. The organization will be well-positioned under Cope to revitalize our role in Trumbull County,” Taddei said.

“I’m thrilled,” Cope said. “Under the circumstances, it really is a win-win for the organization and for Trumbull County.”

Pictured: Christine Cope will succeed Ginny Pasha as president and CEO at UWTC.

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