2026 Haupert Humanitarian Award
Kathleen Cannon, LCSW ’86
The Haupert Humanitarian Award recognizes an alum who has rendered outstanding service in the cause of human welfare. The recipient’s service to humanity has achieved standards “above and beyond” the expected duties and responsibilities of their career. In addition, the recipient has made a positive difference in the lives of others, in the community in which they live, or in the community at large.
When a community is mobilized to action, everyone has the chance to thrive through hope, opportunity, and dignity. Guided by this belief, trained social worker Kathleen Cannon, LCSW ’86 has combined frontline experience with sharp business acumen to address food security, access to healthcare, education, and homelessness prevention through programs that have been replicated across the United States.
A first-generation college student, Kathleen earned her bachelor of arts in clinical psychology from Moravian University and began her career as a clinical social worker during the AIDS crisis. She served as a case manager for homeless and mentally ill clients who lacked family support and lived in adult congregate homes. While she felt deeply connected to the work, she recognized the need to move beyond traditional approaches and develop measurable, sustainable solutions for people in need.
In 2002, Kathleen stepped into nonprofit administration as vice president and chief operating officer of Broward House, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals facing chronic health challenges, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Nearly a decade later, she joined United Way Broward as president and chief executive officer. Under her leadership, the organization expanded dramatically by tripling its annual budget and increasing its reach within the community. While United Way organizations traditionally support initiatives related to health, youth opportunity, and financial security by funding other nonprofits. Kathleen has led United Way Broward to launch its own internally operated programs to address critical gaps in the community.
One of Kathleen’s notable accomplishments is the launch of MISSION UNITED in 2013, a comprehensive system of care that provides financial assistance, housing support, employment, education, and pro bono legal services to veterans and their families. Since its inception, the program has helped approximately 22,000 veterans in Broward County and achieved a 90% success rate in securing housing for homeless veterans. Because of its proven impact, the model for MISSION UNITED has been replicated by nearly 30 United Way organizations.
Kathleen has also brought attention to the growing crisis of homelessness and housing affordability in Broward County. A report she commissioned revealed that more than 94% of residents cannot afford a home and that 66% of the county’s 77,000 renters spend more than half their income on housing costs. In response, Kathleen united businesses, donors, and community leaders to launch United for Housing in 2022, an ambitious initiative that aims to create 2,500 affordable housing units by 2027 and secure the financing necessary to make these units accessible to residents.
Kathleen’s data-driven approach to community impact has earned United Way Broward national recognition. The organization achieved accreditation from the Council on Accreditation, becoming the first United Way in the United States to receive this distinction.
Kathleen’s leadership has also been widely recognized. Her honors include the Ultimate CEO Award from The South Florida Business Journal, the Women of Excellence Sapphire Award from the Cleveland Clinic, the Champion of Children Award from HANDY, and the Spirit of Justice Award from Legal Aid. She was named one of the March of Dimes’ “Women of Distinction,” and most recently, she was honored with a permanent star of service by the City of Fort Lauderdale on its Walk of Fame.
Her commitment to addressing economic, public policy, and social issues affecting Broward County has led to appointments to the Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice; the community-wide strategic plan, titled Prosperity Partnership Board, where she serves as co-chair; and membership on the Atlanta Federal Reserve Board of Directors, Miami Branch, which she calls the honor of a lifetime.
Through three decades of leadership and innovation, Kathleen has demonstrated that when expertise, strategy, and compassion come together, communities build foundational support so all can rise and thrive.