Executive Bio

Dona Ponepinto photo

DONA PONEPINTO
United Way of Pierce County
President and CEO

Dona is currently the President and CEO for United Way of Pierce County.  Dona joined UWPC in January of 2014 and brings over 30 years of experience within the United Way network and a long history of working on behalf of children and their families.

Since taking the reins in Pierce County, Dona led a ground-breaking three-state research project on the financial stability of families, convened the Hunger-Free Pierce County collaborative and secured funding for Centers for Strong Families. She has also been very active in the community, holding community conversations each year since joining the organization, engaging with CEOs, public leaders and agency partners, and serving on several committees and special projects.

She is active with United Way at both the state and national level where she serves as the chair for the United Ways of the Pacific Northwest and co-chair of the Black Professionals Leadership Alliance.

Prior to joining United Way of Pierce County, Dona was Vice President and Major Gifts Officer at United Way for Southeast Michigan (UWSEM) in Detroit, Michigan. During her eight-year tenure, Dona held positions of increasing responsibility including VP, Community Investments, Financial Stability and Basic Needs, and VP, Resource Investment and Community Partnerships. Prior to joining UWSEM, she was with Orange County’s United Way and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

Dona has consistently been very engaged in her community and has demonstrated strong leadership through service and board membership. She is a member of the Junior League Tacoma and most recently she was a member on the board of directors and chair of the Governance Committee for the Association of Junior Leagues International. In addition, she serves on boards of the Tacoma Pierce County Chamber, Pierce County Aids Foundation (PCAF), KBTC Association and the Workforce Development Council.

Dona holds a BA in Psychology and a MS Degree in Counseling with emphasis in children and families from Creighton University.  She lives in Gig Harbor with her husband Joe and their dog, Henry.