(Irvine, CA) - United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County (UCP-OC) has appointed Cathleen Collins to lead the organization as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Having served as a Senior Development Executive for several non-profit institutions in industries ranging from education and public affairs to healthcare and medicine, Ms. Collins has earned a reputation for strategic thinking and fostering exemplary revenue growth. She brings with her not only extensive fundraising expertise, but an intricate medical knowledge of neuro-developmental conditions such as cerebral palsy.

In her prior role as Director of Major Gifts for CHOC Children's, Ms. Collins worked with neurologists and neurosurgeons at the cutting edge of their fields, and as a result developed an understanding of the practical applications of neuroscience for children with disabilities. This knowledge, combined with her diverse non-profit background, made her a top contender for the position, but it was her personal experience as a mother of a child with developmental disabilities makes her the ideal choice to direct UCP-OC's efforts in the coming years.

"Cathleen brings the vision, expertise, and passion that will effectively lead UCP in this important next stage of its development," said Gunnar Gooding, President of UCP-OC's Board of Directors. The organization is a leading provider of child care services for children with all types of developmental disabilities in Orange County.

In addition to tackling fundraising challenges in a tough economic climate and spearheading the organization's larger strategic initiatives, Ms. Collins' goals for UCP-OC include improving accessibility to resources for families of children with disabilities. As a devoted single mother of a daughter with special needs, Ms. Collins has benefited greatly from UCP-OC personally, and she is acutely aware of the day-to-day challenges faced by families in similar situations.

"My daughter was born three months premature with many complications," Ms. Collins recalls, "She spent the first several months of her life in the hospital. It was a difficult time and I had many concerns regarding her future and did not know where to turn. I will never forget the critical words spoken by her Neonatologist, ‘Your daughter's future will depend on your ability to access resources on her behalf.' Since then I have been determined to provide a joyful childhood without limits for my child - something made possible with the help of UCP-OC," adding, "No parent should feel like they must meet these challenges alone."

Ms. Collins sees many exciting possibilities ahead for United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County as the organization enters a new phase in its mission to help children with all types of disabilities experience life without limits.
About UCP-OC

United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County (UCP-OC), based in Irvine, Calif., was founded in the early 1950s and serves children with all types of developmental disabilities and provides vital support to their families. Each year, UCP-OC provides direct services to nearly 2,500 persons, 85 percent of whom have a primary disability other than cerebral palsy. UCP-OC's staff of highly trained professionals includes leaders in physical, occupational and speech therapies, inclusion, early intervention, advocacy and community resources, providing services and materials in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. UCP-OC headquarters is located at 980 Roosevelt, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92620. Phone: (949) 333-6400. Fax: (949) 333-6440. Email: info@ucp-oc.org. Web: www.ucp-oc.org.
For more information contact:

UCP-OC
Grant Dunning - Chief Operations Officer
gdunning@ucp-oc.org