United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County Announces New Executive Director

The Board of Directors of United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County is pleased to announce the selection of Cate Mellen as the next Executive Director of the organization, effective May 20. Mellen, who has served as Resource Development Director at United Way for the last year and a half, replaces longtime executive director Lucy Suter Zander. Zander stepped down May 3 to spend more time with her family and focus on the family business.

“We want Cate and the community to know that she has our full confidence and support,” said incoming United Way Board President Melissa Kelso. “Cate brings extensive experience in fundraising and campaign planning, as well as deep ties to the Carlisle area. We are excited that she has chosen to continue her commitment to non-profit work and positively impacting the community through a leadership role with United Way.”

Mellen is a native of Carlisle who holds a B.A. from Dickinson College, an M.A. from Syracuse University, and an M.A. from Cornell University. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and a graduate of Leadership Cumberland. Prior to joining United Way as Resource Development Director in 2023, she served 11 years as the Development Director at the Carlisle Family YMCA, where she helped to spearhead the recent $10.7 million building expansion. She has also served as the Community Relations Coordinator for Bosler Memorial Library.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity and am honored to accept this position,” Mellen said. “Lucy (Zander) did an incredible job in advancing the reach and impact of the United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County during more than a decade of leadership. I’m excited to expand on the thriving framework she has left to continue to build a stronger and healthier community.”