In her role as Chief Strategy Officer of United Way of Broward County, Cicely Strickland-Ruiz brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit and human service industries. She is focused on implementing strategies to increase revenue, reduce costs, strengthen customer relationships, and improve business practices, with the sole purpose of creating meaningful community impact. Strickland-Ruiz completed her M.S. in Strategic Leadership at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY, where she hails from. She began her career working for a nonprofit social work agency that championed children’s rights. This experience gave her a deep appreciation of how nonprofits seek to improve the quality of life for everyone. Prior to relocating to south Florida, Strickland-Ruiz served as Chief Operating Officer at United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes (NY), overseeing the operational functions of the organization while leading a team of 20 fundraising professionals to raise more than $30 million annually through corporate partnerships and individual philanthropy. In her current role, she enjoys connecting with people, implementing strategic initiatives, and driving long-term growth with her team in the ever-changing world of philanthropy. She believes in giving back to the community where she lives, serving on multiple boards that support the arts, empowerment of women, children and education and participating in professional organizations, including The North Broward County (FL) Chapter of The Links, Inc., Florida Philanthropic Network, Association for Fundraising Professionals, and Leadership Broward (Class 41). When she is not working, Strickland-Ruiz appreciates spending time with family, going to the beach, catching a Broadway play and traveling.
