Our dedicated board members help us accomplish our goals

United Way of Southwestern Oregon Board represents a range of sectors including government agencies, law, small business owners and employees, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, and independent community advocacy. Our Board and staff collectively participate in more than 50 Coos/Curry County Boards, committees, and local initiatives. These diverse perspectives and wide networks help to shape our community-driven strategies, priorities, and programs.

  • Carolyn Acker

    CHAIR
    Program Director, Kairos Coastline Services

    Why do you serve on the UWSWO board? I serve on the UW board because of the commitment to mobilizing community work that helps build safe and resilient communities.

    One of your favorite things? Learning new hobbies.

    Two fun facts about you? I am currently obsessed with making gluten free sourdough bread. I love traveling to new places.

  • Haley Lagasse

    Haley Lagasse

    VICE CHAIR
    Director of Library Services, North Bend Public Library

    Why do you serve on the UWSWO board? I want to live and work in a thriving, resilient community. Resilient communities require dedicated people, adaptability, sustainability and a willingness to confront challenges, all elements I have found in the United Way.

    One of your favorite things? Eating cookies for breakfast.

    Two fun facts about you? I make homemade bagels. I have a very cute and smart miniature schnauzer named Jack.

  • Joe Paulet

    TREASURER
    Producer, Neptune Birch

    Why do you serve on the UWSWO board? There are many reasons, but mainly I believe in the mission and values that United Way embodies in our community. United Way is a corner stone of service organizations locally, and I want to help build resilience and prosperity in Southwestern Oregon.

    One of your favorite things? Watching my dog play along the beach.

    Two fun facts about you? Years ago I worked on Portlandia the TV show, and my favorite holiday is Halloween.

  • Heather Casas

    DIRECTOR
    Branch Manager, Umpqua Bank

    Why do you serve on the UWSWO board? I have previously been a board member for UWSWO and I loved it. It was a very rewarding experience and it allowed me to become more involved in my community.

    One of your favorite things? I love to read!

    Two fun facts about you? I love to travel; I have been to 5 different countries and have many more on my bucket list. I have 6 children and one 1 dog.

  • Drew Farmer

    DIRECTOR
    Councilor, City of Coos Bay

    Why do you serve on the UWSWO board? The mission to drive coordination of non-profits and provide supports to agencies that will have the most effect on our community sounded like an excellent opportunity to expand the positive opportunities within our community.

    One of your favorite things? Mingus Park Coos Bay.

    Two fun facts about you? I am proof that videogames corrupted our youth; I played too much SimCity as a kid, now look at me. If you see me moving a lot on a Zoom meeting, it’s because I am playing with a weighted ball.

  • OSCAR SWEETEN-LOPEZ

    DIRECTOR
    Executive Director, The Contingent Oregon

    Why do you serve on the UWSWO board? I am so grateful to have moved back home and rediscoved the amazing work and dedication of our Southern Oregon community to step up and help our neighbors. I share the vision of UWSWO in fighting for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Coos and Curry Counties.

    One of your favorite things? Foraging for mushrooms in the fall and winter and then cooking a delicious dinner with my wife.

    Two fun facts about you? My first paid job was as an interpreter for American tourists in Mexico when I was only 8 years old. I love to be outdoors in nature and spent over 12 years on the Travis County Search and Rescue team based out of Austin, TX.