United Way of Southern Nevada Announces New Executive Team Members

United Way of Southern Nevada (UWSN) announced Samuel L. Rudd as the new Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Karen Alonso as the new Vice President of Marketing.

Rudd has over 29 years of experience in operations and financial management across diverse industries. His professional journey began in 1994 at U.S. Bank in Las Vegas. He moved ventured to Oregon, taking on a pivotal role in the small business lending center. In 2007, he joined GEMSA Loan Servicing and managed a commercial REIT (real estate investment trust) portfolio. In 2010, Rudd joined Katy Foursquare as Senior Pastor and Administrator. He moved back to Las Vegas in 2020 and joined Sun Commercial Real Estate as Vice President of Operations and Managing Broker.

Alonso brings over 15 years of marketing expertise to UWSN. Her career began in 2009 as the Marketing Director at Advantage Plus Consulting in New Jersey. During her tenure, eventually leading to Associate Vice President of Marketing, Alonso developed and executed a strategic re-branding initiative when the firm merged to become Catapult Fundraising, Inc. in 2016. During her 14-year career with the company, Alonso designed multi-channel campaigns which resulted in millions of dollars raised for many non-profit organizations including International Rescue Committee, United States Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation, Special Olympics International, West Point Association of Graduates, Nevada SPCA, Atomic Museum, UC Davis Health, and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute to name a few. Alonso is currently serving as the President of the American Marketing Association, Las Vegas Chapter.

“We are thrilled to welcome Samuel and Karen to the executive team,” said UWSN President and CEO, Julian High. “As we look forward to another 65 years of United Way in Southern Nevada, I am delighted to be working alongside these two individuals who bring such drive, passion and expertise to our organization. I am confident their strategic leadership will elevate UWSN, further our mission, and help create a meaningful impact in our community.”