Carlsbad Fire Chief/Interim City Manager Kevin Crawford Named United Way President/CEO

Carlsbad fire chief and interim city manager Kevin Crawford was named president and chief executive of the United Way of San Diego County, the charity announced today.

Crawford has served on the local United Way's board for the past five years. He will replace the retiring Doug Sawyer early next year.

The United Way was selected as part of nationwide executive search, said Jon Vance, United Way board chairman. "Kevin has a deep understanding of United Way's role in the community and our strategic vision,'' Vance said. "He brings strong leadership and fundraising skills to the organization, making him the ideal candidate to propel us forward.'' The United Way said Crawford would be in charge of planning and management, as well as furthering goals in education, financial self- sufficiency, health and homelessness.

"This is an incredibly dynamic time in United Way's history,'' Crawford said. "My work as a board member and Vision Council chair for the past five years has prepared me to lead the organization down the path that Doug Sawyer started, leveraging community relationships to benefit the entire county in the years to come.'' Crawford is a board member of several other nonprofits, including LEAD San Diego, 211 San Diego, the Burn Institute, the Regional Communications System and Hospice North County. Last year, he published a book, "A Chief Reflects on Leadership.'' He helped forge partnerships among 10 fire departments in the North County to improve disaster responses and communications, while reducing expenses.

Crawford has been with the Carlsbad Fire Department since 1983, starting as a paramedic.

–City News Service