Todd Zern is a nonprofit leader with more than two decades of experience guiding mission-driven organizations through strategic growth, philanthropy, organizational development, and community engagement. Before joining United Way of Pierce County, Todd spent more than 12 years with Young Life, a global nonprofit organization, where he built high-performing teams, developed meaningful partnerships, and led fundraising initiatives generating more than $4 million in philanthropic support.
Todd is excited to serve with United Way of Pierce County because he believes lasting change happens when we walk alongside families, build connections across communities, and create opportunities for people to thrive. He is inspired by the diversity of Pierce County and the incredible stories of resilience, hope, and possibility found throughout the region.
A relationship-centered leader, Todd believes meaningful impact begins with trust, shared purpose, and authentic connection. His passion for cross-cultural learning began through student exchange experiences in Scotland and Germany and continued through his three years with Up with People, a global leadership and multicultural learning organization. During that time, he traveled to more than 15 countries, lived with host families around the world, performed at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, and partnered with communities through service initiatives focused on connection and impact.
Todd holds a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Cross-Cultural Development from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Bachelor of Business Administration from Western New England University, a Certificate in Professional Fundraising from Boston University, and holds a Certified Fund Raising Executive credential with CFRE International.
Todd and his wife, Dawn, live in Federal Way and are proud parents of their adult daughter, Kelsie, who lives in Phoenix and works in the study abroad field. Todd remains passionate about creating communities where people feel known, valued, and inspired to contribute to something greater than themselves.