Ledyard — Virginia L. Mason, president and CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, will be retiring as of Feb. 12. She has led the organization for the past 11 years.

"There are so many to thank for inspiration, funding, and dedication," she said in a release. "I have been very lucky to have worked with United Way for so many years, in so many interesting locations. The years have flown by and I thank the organization, its board, its leadership, and its staff for making this a wonderful adventure."

Mason, who will be moving to California upon retirement, also has served as president and CEO for four other United Way organizations, including the United Way of Jamaica, where she established four new branches and developed island-wide programs and operations. Prior to her tenure in Connecticut, she served as the national president and CEO of Family Support America in Chicago.

In the release, she highlighted the United Way's investment into the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center in New London, including receiving a grant to create a Mobile Food Pantry truck for delivering food to communities in need. She also worked with local social services organizations to create the New London County Fund to End Homelessness.

"Virginia has served this United Way and community with a heart of gold and hard work," William Louis, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut board chairman, said in the release. "She excels at convening diverse people and partners to find creative and innovative ways to best serve the needs that arose. She is also a true champion in her support of volunteers and staff. We will greatly miss her and wish her all the best for happiness in her retirement as she spends time with her family."

The board has created a search committee for Mason's replacement.