Valley United Way welcomes part-time development director

Brian Mezzi

After months of strategic planning and working with the community on Coronavirus relief, Valley United Way has announce the hiring of a Brian Mezzi of Clinton as part-time Development Director.

Mezzi currently works at United Way of Greater New Haven as Assistant Development Director.
Hearing of the good work he was accomplishing there, Interim President/COO of Valley United Way David Kennedy approached UWGNH to consider a work-share scenario that would enable Mezzi to work for the Valley part time. “The shared services agreement we have entered into with UWGNH is the best of so many worlds,” Kennedy said. “We have been able to bring a very talented United Way development professional onto our team, while he continues to support corporate partnerships and United Way of Greater New Haven’s workplace campaign.”

With 10 years of non-profit experience, primarily with United Ways in Connecticut, Mezzi has spent most of that time cultivating and creating relationships with workplaces that are looking to contribute to local needs.
Last year, Mezzi worked with a diverse portfolio of local businesses to successfully raise over $1 million for the greater New Haven community.
He also is no stranger to giving back to the community. An avid fencer, Mezzi is former Head Coach for the North Haven Fencing team and is the Co-Chair of the CT High School Fencing Association.

He has won awards for his roles in service and leadership through organizations like Americorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Mezzi said, “I look forward to engaging with individuals and partners throughout the Valley. I make it my goal to inspire others, both in and out of the workplace, to give and get involved in their community. I look forward to working together in a ‘United Way’ to change what's possible for the Valley.”

As Valley United Way is still working remotely due to Coronavirus, it was not a typical orientation for a new employee. Mezzi started at Valley United Way July 13 and will continue working remotely, along with other VUW staff, until further notice. 

For questions related to Development and Workplace Giving for Valley United Way, contact Mezzi at: Brian.Mezzi@valleyunitedway.org.
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As a leading philanthropic organization in the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Valley United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community through philanthropy, volunteerism, and collaboration.
For more information visit www.valleyunitedway.org or contact David Kennedy, Interim President/COO at 203-538-6341.


This is taken from a press release from Valley United Way.

Valley United Way welcomes new director of development

Brian Mezzi

Sharing a press release from the Valley United Way:

"We are excited to welcome to our staff Brian Mezzi, our new Director of Development, starting this month. 

"Brian is currently working with the United Way of Greater New Haven as their Assistant Development Director. Through a special work share agreement, he will be joining us part time each week to help develop and grow our fundraising capacity.

"Brian comes to us with almost 10 years of experience working with United Ways on community engagement and development. He especially loves development work since it is an opportunity to inspire others and help them meet their philanthropic goals. We are so grateful that Brian will be joining our team, albeit remotely for now, and look forward to all that he will contribute to our community and to the Valley United Way!"