- April 23, 2024
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‘I love this job and this community,’ he said.
Ray Salazar, president of United Way Volusia/Flagler Counties, announced to his staff and the United Way Board of Directors on Feb. 16 that he will retire as of Dec. 31.
He enjoyed his time as president, he said in a phone interview.
“I love this job and this community,” he said. “This is the culmination of my second career. I retired from the FAA after 27 and a half years and then started my nonprofit career.”
Salazar began his nonprofit career in 1996, working for the Literacy Council, and found it to be something he enjoyed.
“I saw a 63-year-old man learn to read for the first time and I was hooked,” he said.
Three years later he was asked to work at the United Way. He was promoted to president in 2001 after a national search for candidates.
Lori Catron, chairwoman of the United Way Board of Directors, said Salazar gave early notice to her and incoming chairman John Walsh, publisher of the Ormond Beach and Palm Coast Observer newspapers. They have formed a task force, consisting of five members of the executive committee of the board of directors, to seek a new president.
“All five have executive hiring experience,” said Walsh, who will become chairman at the end of June.
They have not decided if it will be a nationwide search or if a human resources firm will be utilized.
“Ray is a good guy,” said Catron, a director at Halifax Media Group. “His leadership traits and his close connection with the community will be hard to replace.”
Salazar, 68, said he is remaining at his home in Ormond Beach and will still be involved in the community, but first wants to take 60 to 90 days off.
When asked for accomplishments, Salazar points to the fact that over his tenure, the United Way became a problem solver on its on, working beyond the member agencies in the areas of education, income and health.
In the development of 211live.org, for example, he said they worked with nontraditional partners Halifax Health and Florida Hospital.
In education, they worked with the school system in helping children reach their grade level in reading; and in the area of income, they worked with the IRS and banks to help people with income tax preparation and money management.
“The 15 years were not without their challenges,” he said. “Fundraising is always a challenge.”
He said he always enjoyed working with people in the nonprofit area.
“They are a different sort of people, driven by a motive of helping others,” he said. “And the volunteers I’ve met … They roll up their sleeves and improve things for the community.”
Both Catron and Walsh feel confident there will be enough time to find the right candidate.
“United Way is on solid ground,” Walsh said. “We had another successful campaign last year. He has given us ample time to find a replacement.”
Ormond Beach City Manager Joyce Shanahan, chairwoman of the appropriations committee, agreed, saying that the position of the agency is excellent in both finances and staff.
“If ever you had to make a transition, this would be a great time,” she said.
