United Way of Westchester and Putnam Board of Directors Welcomes Three New Members
United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s Board of Directors appointed three community-minded professionals to its roster in early 2025 for three-year terms. Joining the 20 sitting board members are Justin V. Maneen, Denise O Matthews-Serra, and Judith M. Watson (pictured above left to right).
“We are delighted to welcome these three exceptional leaders to our Board of Directors,” said Board Chairwoman Aleida “Ale'” M. Frederico. “Each brings unique expertise and a demonstrated commitment to service that aligns perfectly with United Way’s mission. Their diverse perspectives and professional experience will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our impact throughout Westchester and Putnam counties.”
Justin V. Maneen, of Port Chester, NY, is Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at PCSB Bank, where he brings a wealth of expertise in relationship building and financial strategy. Throughout his career at institutions including Valley Bank, Sterling National Bank, and The Westchester Bank, Justin has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a talent for understanding clients’ unique financial needs. Known for his analytical approach and commitment to community banking, he excels at developing tailored financial solutions for businesses of various sizes. His background in commercial lending, coupled with his strong communication skills, has enabled him to foster lasting client relationships built on trust and mutual success. Justin holds a B.S. in Business Economics with a concentration in Finance and has earned various certifications in financial analysis. Colleagues and clients alike value his collaborative spirit, strategic thinking, and dedication to helping businesses thrive through thoughtful financial guidance.
Denise O. Matthews-Serra, a retired Client Relationship Manager in the retirement field, brings extensive board experience to our United Way. She holds an Economics degree from Hunter College and a Master of Science in Project Management from Boston University, along with several professional credentials from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), NYS Life Insurance, and Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR). She currently serves as Board Treasurer for The Woman’s Club of White Plains, Inc. and is a board member of The Thomas H Slater Center in White Plains and Meals-on-Wheels.
Her past board appointments include President of the White Plains Public Library Board of Trustees, Board of Trustees of the Westchester Library System-Governance Committee, and Board Trustee in her Gedney Farms neighborhood association. Denise’s community involvement extends to the White Plains school system, where she has been a substitute teacher and held various PTA positions, including President at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, as well as President of the White Plains PTA Council.
Judith M. Watson, RN, BSN, MPH, of White Plains, is CEO of Westchester Community Health Center. She immigrated to the United States from Jamaica, West Indies, at age seven and settled in White Plains. Her distinguished career includes serving in the United States Army for three years on active duty stationed in Hawaii, followed by seven years in the Army Reserves, where she achieved the rank of Sergeant E-5. Judith’s healthcare career spans over 27 years, beginning at the Greenburgh Health Center (now WCHC Greenburgh) in 1994. She has served in various capacities including nursing roles, Executive Director of the Greenburgh Health Center site, and Chief Operating Officer of the Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center before assuming her current position as CEO. Judith earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Registered Nursing from Pace University and a Master’s Degree in Public Health from New York Medical College. In addition to her primary role, she produces a public access television show, serves as an adjunct professor, and participates on several boards.
Part of the United Way Network, United Way of Westchester and Putnam is an independent nonprofit. Its board is responsible for developing the vision and policies of the organization as well as maintaining its fiscal oversight.
United Way of Westchester and Putnam supports education, financial stability, and health initiatives to help residents become self-sufficient and thrive. These include the 211 Helpline, essential goods for basic needs distributions, early literacy programming for preschoolers, support services for students, job skills training and financial empowerment for adults, and access to health services for all.