United Way Names Clayton Jason as Chief Philanthropy Officer

Hartford, Conn. (February 15, 2024) — United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut announced today that it has named Clayton Jason as Chief Philanthropy Officer.

“While I will greatly miss the donors and colleagues I’ve worked with at the University of Connecticut Foundation, I am excited to bring my skills and experience to support United Way’s mission at a critical time for the organization,” said Jason. “Having spent the majority of my life as a central Connecticut resident, I am eager to join an organization that has a direct impact on people in our community.”

The search, managed by Diversified Search Group, engaged a diverse pool of candidates and stakeholders from across the country who were attracted to the mission of the organization and the opportunity to increase impact for the community.

“Throughout the search process, we were impressed with Clayton’s experience in major gifts, strong relationships and proven track record of success in fundraising. We are thrilled to welcome him to our team at a transformational time for our organization,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.

Jason has had a robust career in fundraising, most recently serving as Senior Director of Gift Planning at the University of Connecticut Foundation where he has worked for more than six years. Prior to that, he served in several positions at nonprofit organizations and institutions such as Operation Fuel, University of Hartford and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center.

During Jason’s time at the University of Connecticut Foundation, he held several roles with increasing responsibility. Jason successfully led gift planning efforts resulting in increases in deferred gift commitments each year, including an all-time Foundation record of over $36 million in 2023. He was recognized as one of the top five frontline fundraisers at the Foundation for dollars raised in 2022 and 2023.

Jason is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy. He holds Master’s in Communication from University of Hartford and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from St. Joseph’s University in Pennsylvania.