HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley welcomes Sandy Monck as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, bringing more than 25 years of experience in human services, community impact and nonprofit leadership to the organization.

Monck joins United Way after serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer for United Way of Central Maryland, where she helped lead strategies, programs and partnerships focused on helping individuals and families meet basic needs and move toward greater self-sufficiency. Her responsibilities also included oversight of 2-1-1 Maryland, a 24-hour health and human services information and referral service.

For Monck, the opportunity to lead United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley is also reportedly a personal one.

“To serve the community my family and I have come to love and call home is a privilege and an honor of a lifetime,” Monck said.

With more than 25 years of experience in human services delivery, Monck has built her career around bringing people and organizations together to address complex community challenges according to United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley Director of Development Jim Sacco.

Her previous work includes developing mental health service programs, addressing homelessness and creating partnerships between public agencies and community organizations. She developed the Back Home Program, which brought together county government and the faith-based community to help homeless families secure permanent housing. The program received a National Association of Counties Achievement Award.

“UWCSV has been an anchor in this community for 70 years. We could not have accomplished that alone. And while I recognize the challenging and rapidly changing landscape we are in, I see this moment as an opportunity to listen, learn, and work alongside our stakeholders to shape an even stronger future, together, for the next 70 years,” Monck said.

Katie LaPira, Board Co-Chair of United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley, said Monck’s approach to leadership stood out during the selection process.

“What stood out to me immediately about Sandy is her instinct to listen first and lead with purpose. She doesn’t just ask thoughtful questions about UWCSV, but she turns what she hears into a clear, inspiring vision for our next chapter. As we build our strategic plan, that balance of deep curiosity and strategic clarity is exactly what we need,” LaPira said.

Nadia Dames, Board Co-Chair, said Monck’s experience and knowledge of the United Way network will be valuable as the organization moves forward.

“We are excited to welcome Sandy as the new President of United Way of the Central Shenandoah Valley. Sandy brings years of valuable experience, strong leadership, and best practices from across the United Way network. Her knowledge and vision will be a tremendous asset as our local United Way continues to shape its mission, strengthen community partnerships, and build a stronger future for the communities we serve,” Dames said.

Monck holds degrees in Mass Communications and Psychology, as well as a graduate degree in Counseling Psychology. Her professional recognition includes the 2026 ICON Award from The Baltimore Banner and recognition among Maryland’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record in 2012.