Off-Site : A United farewell

Off-Site
A United farewell

This time, instead of Ralph Gregory gathering the community to tackle a problem it was the community that convened to celebrate his retirement from United Way of Westchester and Putnam with speeches, official proclamations, retirement gifts and praise for his 26 years of service to the two counties. The Jan. 10 reception at the Westchester Renaissance was packed with friends, family, colleagues, volunteers, government representatives and business people. United Way’s Chairman Harry Bright was master of ceremonies, as County Executive Andy Spano, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, United Way of America CEO Brian Gallagher on videotape, and others spoke of Gregory’s impact on the lives of people in Westchester and Putnam. Gregory garnered laughs when he described the transition to retirement as going from a “Who’s Who” to “Who’s he?” He will continue as president and CEO until Feb. 25, when Naomi L. Adler takes the reins.

Photos by Jeff Weiner

Karen Magee, right, secretary treasurer of the AFL-CIO Central Labor Body and board member of United Way of Westchester and Putnam, greets Ralph and Mary Anne Gregory. The AFL-CIO and Heineken were sponsors of Gregory’s retirement celebration.

Laurie Saylak, right, of Scarsdale, Tocqueville Society Steering Committee member and United Way of Scarsdale-Edgemont board member, celebrates with Ralph and Mary Anne Gregory.

Ralph Gregory with Mae Carpenter, commissioner, Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services.

Sobeida Cruz, New York Power Authority and United Way of Westchester and Putnam board member, with Ralph Gregory.

From left: Assemblyman George Latimer, Ralph Gregory, Eridania Camacho of the Volunteer Center of United Way, and Eric Eller of Hudson Valley Bank and board treasurer of United Way.

Congresswoman Nita Lowey addresses the crowd assembled to celebrate Ralph Gregory’s 26 years of service to United Way of Westchester and Putnam.

United Way of Westchester and Putnam Board Chairman Harry Bright congratulates Ralph Gregory on his 26 years of service as the organization’s CEO.

Westchester County Executive Andy Spano and Ralph Gregory.

From left: Kathy Halas, Child Care Council of Westchester; Lindsay Farrell, Open Door Family Medical Centers; Ralph Gregory; CarlLa Horton, Northern Westchester Shelter; County Legislator and United Way board member Lois Bronz; and Mary Anne Gregory.