SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Nancy Kern Eaton, who has served as president of the United Way of Central New York since 2017, plans to retire at the end of 2025.

Under Eaton’s leadership, United Way of CNY expanded community awareness and the organization’s role as a “collaborative hub for human-service organizations and coalitions,” the organization said.

“Choosing to retire is about taking more time with my husband, children, and grandchildren,” Eaton said in informing the United Way’s board of directors of her decision. “It was an incredibly difficult decision to make, as I have been connected to the United Way of Central New York in a variety of ways for over 25 years. It has been a privilege to serve in this role, working with an extraordinary Board, exceptional and dedicated staff members, and many community members who are partners in this work. I am excited about the innovative work that is taking place and I am confident that the organization is ready for its next chapter.”

Eaton’s accomplishments included the creation of Thrive at Work; “significant” expansion of CNY Book Buddies program; and development of the Full STEAM Ahead literacy initiative, the United Way said.

She also led the organization’s participation in pandemic response and helped to establish the COVID-19 Community Support Fund. During Eaton’s tenure, United Way of CNY celebrated its 100th anniversary and reestablished the Day of Caring, the community’s single largest day of volunteer service.

“Nancy is an extraordinary champion for Central New York,” Kerry Tarolli, who chairs the United Way of Central New York board of directors, said in the announcement. “Her leadership over the last seven and a half years has been exceptional, and she will be missed. Thanks to Nan’s innovation, and the remarkable team she has built, United Way of CNY is positioned to continue its century-long legacy of impact, empowering the community to thrive.”

Besides leading the United Way’s board of directors, Tarolli is also a partner at King + King Architects.

Tarolli will also lead a transitions committee, and the United Way will share more information about its transition plans in the coming weeks.