Pete Collins is Named Chair of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut’s Board of Directors

Hartford, CT – United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is pleased to announce that Pete Collins has been named Chair of its Board of Directors. Collins has served as an active leadership volunteer to the organization for nearly 10 years and assumes the Chair role after serving as Vice Chair in 2023. 

“We are thrilled to have Pete lead our Board of Directors during an exciting milestone in our organization’s history–our 100th year of service to our community,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “Pete has been a great champion, supporting our initiatives long before taking this leadership role. He cares deeply and is passionate about closing gaps and creating opportunities for everyone in our community.” 

Collins is the Senior Vice President for Enterprise Operations at Travelers. In this role, he oversees companywide operations and critical business support capabilities that enable the company’s delivery of products and services to customers, agents and brokers. Before joining Travelers in 2014, Collins was Executive Vice President of Customer Management for Vertex, a leading international provider of customer management outsourcing, consulting and technology services, where he ran customer service globally. 

“Travelers has been around for more than 165 years and that’s in no small part thanks to the support of our communities, which is why we’re so invested in ensuring the success of the neighborhoods we call home,” said Pete Collins, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Operations at Travelers. “I have seen firsthand the impact that United Way has on families in the region, and I’m honored to continue my support with the organization as Chairman.” 

Collins has been a long-time United Way leadership volunteer. Throughout his 10 years at Travelers, he has supported United Way through a variety of initiatives and roles, including: serving as a Corporate Giving Campaign Coordinator, encouraging his colleagues at Travelers to join and support United Way’s mission; providing leadership as a coach for the 2019 and 2021 Emerging Leaders Society Case Competition, a “shark tank style” competition that allows young professionals to provide solutions to pressing community issues through innovative thinking, problem-solving and professional development; and, is an active Women United member and great supporter of its Power of the Purse Luncheon and Silent Auction. 

Originally from the United Kingdom, Collins is passionate about fostering a culture of inclusion at Travelers and in the broader community. In addition to his volunteer work with United Way, Collins is a Leadership Advisor & Ally for EmpowHER+, the women’s professional group in Technology & Operations at Travelers. 

### 

About United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut   
United Way closes gaps in child literacy, housing, wages and life expectancy to make the 860 region an equitable place where everyone succeeds. United Way does this by aligning partners across sectors to end poverty; leveraging information and experience to deepen impact; connecting people with resources and opportunities to make a difference; and, transforming the future with game-changing solutions. For more information, visit unitedwayinc.org.    

Media Contact: Anyeline Céspedes | United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut | acespedes@unitedwayinc.org | 787.502.0436