FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Way of Central Eastern California Welcomes New Vice-President of DEI and Program Development
Bakersfield, CA -United Way of Central Eastern California is thrilled to announce the appointment of Eric Arias as its new Vice-President of DEI and Program Development, effective March 22, 2023. The organization is excited to welcome an accomplished leader with a passion for community impact and a strong track record of driving positive change.
Arias brings years of experience in nonprofit management and community development. He has an exceptional background in government affairs, advocacy, community relations, and marketing. He has a proven ability to build and implement impactful programs that help people, particularly those who are underserved or marginalized.
In his new role, Arias will be responsible for leading and developing United Way of Central Eastern California’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and program strategies, initiatives, and partnerships. He will collaborate with community partners, local leaders, and United Way of Central Eastern California’s board and staff to drive community impact and empower individuals and families in the region.
“On behalf of the United Way of Central Eastern California Board of Directors, I want to extend a warm welcome to Eric Arias as our Vice President,” said Chairman of the Board of Directors Matt Rogers. “It has been a pleasure working next to and with Eric over the last several years as we have volunteered. He has made the choice to dedicate his time to improving conditions for the residents of Kern and the surrounding counties and is a welcomed addition to the United Way of Central Eastern California family. His commitment to our community is undeniable and we look forward to the future with Eric in a leadership role at the UWKC.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Eric Arias as our new Vice-President of DEI and Program Development,” said United Way of Central Eastern California President and CEO, Mari Perez-Dowling. “His expertise and leadership in DEI initiatives, government affairs, advocacy, community relations, and marketing will be invaluable as we work to build a stronger, more equitable Kern County. We look forward to the new ideas and initiatives he will bring to the table, and we are excited to see the positive impact he will have on our community.”
“On behalf of the entire United Way of Central Eastern California team, I want to extend a warm welcome to Eric Arias,” Perez-Dowling added.
“I’m excited to join the team at United Way of Central Eastern California to serve the community that I grew up in. United Way has a robust track record of uplifting families through fundraising, advocacy, strategic partnerships, and critical programming. As a Councilmember for the City of Bakersfield, it has been an honor to partner with United Way to install mini-libraries, distribute emergency meal kits, and promote literacy programs in disadvantaged neighborhoods. I look forward to advancing DEI initiatives within the organization and serving the community that I know and love,” Arias added.
The appointment of Eric Arias as the new Vice-President of DEI and Program Development marks an exciting new chapter for United Way of Central Eastern California, and the organization is excited to see the impact that his leadership will bring to the region.
About United Way of Central Eastern California:
United Way of Central Eastern California is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating lasting change in the Kern County community by addressing critical issues such as education, economic resiliency, and health. With a focus on collective impact, United Way of Central Eastern California works with local partners to create opportunities for all individuals and families to thrive.
