Our Leadership Team

Karen Young (she/her) is President and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area (UWCA), a visionary leader who knows the power of partnership and collaboration to achieve a common purpose. Karen joined UWCA as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2014, before becoming President and Chief Executive Officer in 2017. Under her leadership, UWCA has raised more than $485 million for the local Calgary community, delivering a profound impact to people in all walks of life.

Prior to joining United Way, Karen worked with The City of Calgary for over 20 years as an award-winning leader. As director of Community and Neighbourhood Services, she was instrumental in securing $480 M to build four new recreation facilities in Calgary and led the Emergency Social Services efforts during the historic 2013 Alberta Floods. Karen worked closely with United Way over the years on many projects, including the Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative, Calgary AfterSchool, and the Calgary Local Immigration Partnership.

She has served on Calgary community boards and committees, including the Calgary Homeless Foundation. Currently a Chapter Executive for the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) – Calgary and a member of the Leadership Group for The City of Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy. In 2020, Karen was awarded the inaugural Calgary Influential Women in Business Award in the Social Enterprise category.

She earned a master’s certificate in Municipal Leadership from York University, and holds a Bachelor of General Studies in Leisure, Recreation, and Tourism from the University of Calgary.

A catalyst for social change who has been building momentum in communities for most of her career, Karen is driven by her belief that all Calgarians have the right to a good quality of life.

Gayle was the Chief Strategy Officer for the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) and has led strategy, operations and finance in health and post-secondary sectors. She has developed and implemented many large-scale planning initiatives and has deep expertise in strategic planning, organizational development, consensus building and change management.

She has been Vice President, College and Learner Services and Chief Financial Officer at Bow Valley College, Chief Operating Officer for the Alberta operations of Canada Diagnostic Centres and has served in multiple leadership capacities with the AMA, as well as with Deloitte’s National Health Practice, Alberta Health Services, and the Government of Alberta (Alberta Health and Wellness).

Gayle has a Masters of Public Health (Health Policy and Management) from the University of Alberta.

Rhonda Roth (she/her) is the Chief Impact Officer at United Way of Calgary and Area (UWCA). A collaborative and strategic leader, Rhonda catalyzes community change and builds awareness and support of UWCA to improve local lives. As Chief Impact Officer, Rhonda leads the organization’s Community Impact and Partnership, Marketing and Communications, and Resource Development teams to drive sustainable solutions for complex social issues.

Rhonda has a track record of motivating high-performing teams and more than two decades of leadership experience in the not-for-profit sector, with specialization in health care and the social sector. Rhonda believes that everyone can make a difference and is passionate about creating a community where everyone thrives.