Retiring UWNNM Executive Director Cindy Padilla, left, and incoming Executive Director Donna Milanovich, who has served as the organization’s Director of Corporate & Community Engagement for the last three years, pose for a photo at the annual Appreciation Dinner on May 14 at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
A crowd gathers for the 2026 Donor Appreciation Dinner held on May 14 at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Aamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
The United Way of Northern New Mexico (UWNNM) Board of Directors has unanimously appointed Donna Milanovich as the organization’s next Executive Director. Milanovich will step into the role on June 1 as part of a planned leadership transition with current Executive Director Cindy Padilla who is retiring.
Milanovich is known to many in the community through her nearly three years of service with UWNNM as Director of Corporate and Community Engagement. During that time, she has been part of the organization’s leadership team, participated closely in board and financial review meetings, helped secure important funding, strengthened foundation and community relationships, and worked with the team to develop programs that support nonprofits, youth, and families across Los Alamos and Rio Arriba counties.
She also brings significant nonprofit leadership experience from prior roles, including service as Executive Director of the Chicago Philharmonic. Milanovich combines organizational management experience, fundraising and grant-writing success, program development, and a deep commitment to community partnership.
UWNNM Board Chair Michelle Wilde said Milanovich is deeply committed to the mission of UWNNM and to the communities it serves.
“Donna’s leadership experience, knowledge of the organization, and strong relationships with partners, donors, and funders position her well to guide UWNNM into its next chapter,” Wilde said.
Milanovich describes herself as “a New Mexican by choice” and deeply committed to supporting nonprofits, empowering communities, and investing in young people. She said she is honored to step into the role and looks forward to working with the Board, staff, partners, donors, and community members to continue strengthening United Way’s impact.
“It is a privilege to carry forward the work of United Way of Northern New Mexico, a 70-year organization rooted in service to Los Alamos and Rio Arriba counties,” Milanovich said. “Cindy Padilla has led with compassion, commitment, and a deep love for New Mexico and its people, and I am grateful for all she has given to this organization and the communities we serve. Having become a New Mexican by choice, I feel especially grateful for the opportunity to serve this region and all that makes it so extraordinary. As I step into this role, I look forward to listening, building on that legacy, and strengthening the work ahead — supporting local nonprofits through grantmaking and collaboration, while expanding our place-based youth and community efforts through the Pathfinder Casita in Española.”
As UWNNM welcomes Milanovich into this new role, the Board also expressed deep appreciation to Padilla for her leadership and service. Padilla first became involved with UWNNM in 2019. The board said she has served with dedication as Executive Director, and expressed gratitude for the care, commitment, and leadership she has brought to the organization.
The transition will take place over the coming weeks, with Milanovich and Padilla working together to support continuity and ensure a strong handoff for the organization, its partners, and the community.
“United Way of Northern New Mexico enters this next chapter with gratitude, stability, and a continued commitment to serving Los Alamos and Rio Arriba counties,” they said.
The transition announcement came following the annual Donor Appreciation Dinner held on May 14 at Fuller Lodge. The event included remarks from Padilla and Wilde, a performance by Dance Arts Los Alamos, a collective impact update from Andrea Lucero and Daisy Arévalo-Rodríguez, funder remarks from Linda Candelaria of Con Alma Health Foundation, donor reflection from David Meyerhofer and keynote remarks from Sen. Leo Jaramillo.
Spanish Guitarist Ryan Dominguez performed during the event, which was catered by Sennie Quintana.
To learn more about UWNNM, visit unitedwaynnm.org.
UWNNM Board Chair Michelle Wilde welcomes guests to the 2026 Donor Appreciation Dinner held on May 14 at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Keynote speaker Sen. Leo Jaramillo delivers a heartwarming talk on the importance of supporting one’s community during the 2026 Donor Appreciation Dinner held on May 14 at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
David Meyerhofer shares his donor reflection at the 2026 Donor Appreciation Dinner held on May 14 at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Linda Candelaria of Con Alma Health Foundation shared funder remarks at the 2026 Donor Appreciation Dinner held on May 14 at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Andrea Lucero and Daisy Arévalo-Rodríguez share collective impact updates at the 2026 Donor Appreciation Dinner held on May 14 at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Dance Arts Los Alamos students perform at the 2026 Donor Appreciation Dinner held on May 14 at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com