THE BRETHREN HOST
FAREWELL PARTY FOR RON AND MELVA COPES
he Brethren, a community based group of professional
black men who provide an array of services in the
community, along with other community based
organizations honored Ronald and Melva Copes at a
community farewell reception recently.
Ron Copes, a Pioneer Valley community relations
mainstay who came out of retirement to successfully
lead the United Way during a transition period, is
moving with Melva, his wife, to the state of
Washington to be closer to their two sons and
grandchildren.
Copes was on vacation in Florida last year after
retiring from MassMutual Financial Group when United
Way of Pioneer Valley board members approached him
and asked if he would lead UWPV as the interim
president and chief executive after a change in
leadership.
What was originally conceived as a temporary
six-month position, turned into an 18-month
commitment to the UWPV as the organization completed
an extensive search for a permanent president and
CEO. Copes then continued with United Way after Dora
D. Robinson was named president and CEO to assist
with fundraising as the interim vice president of
resource development and to provide campaign
consultation.
“It has been an honor to serve our community and
help people,” said Copes, a Hartford native and
Westfield resident. “Looking ahead, I am excited to
spend more time with my family. But I am also
excited about what the future holds for United Way
of Pioneer Valley.”
He says he is particularly proud that United Way
“sees taking on the issues that need the most
attention” with a plan to assist children and
youth, and families. The plan focuses United Way
resources, including talent and skills, on those
programs and solutions that will have the greatest
impact, he said.
“It’s also important for people to understand that
often what the United Way accomplishes doesn’t take
significant financial resources,” said Copes.
“Sometimes pooling resources is just as powerful, if
not more powerful, then individual contributions,”
he noted. “From volunteering for a community-wide
civic organization to mentoring young people, there
is something available for every citizen to make a
difference,” he added.
Copes leaves on a high note. United Way’s annual
fund drive, which just concluded, reached $6.2
million, exceeding the previous year’s total. Even
more impressive, said Copes, was UWPV increasing
overall participation rates.
Copes was corporate vice president for community
responsibility at MassMutual before retiring in
2008. He previously retired from the Army as a
colonel after 27 years’ service and joined
MassMutual in 1990. He has also been active with
many community and service organizations through the
years.
Copes said his mother’s giving spirit and sense of
faith and family influenced a lifelong interest in
helping others. His meager upbringing helped him
appreciate the benefits of community support, he
said. “It’s important to remember that there is
always someone who is a little worse off than you
are,” said Copes. “All of us have a responsibility
to give back to the community.”
n
