Michael "Mike" Silacci of Newbury Park has been named chair of the United Way of Ventura County’s board of directors. He succeeds William "Bill" Kearney.

Silacci is currently executive director of external affairs at SBC, and his responsibilities are to represent SBC to Los Angeles County and Ventura County government officials, community leaders and organizations. He also leads administrative functions and special projects in support of SBC’s senior vice president for Southern California.

Silacci’s been an active member of the United Way board since 1999, served as general campaign chair and vice-chair, and since 1998 has been part of the Steering Committee and Advisory Committee for the Ventura County Leadership Academy, a United Way initiative program.

"We are excited about having Mike join our board during this crucial time as we move more toward building upon our organization’s powerful mission of community impact," said president and CEO David Smith. "I look forward to Mike and the other board members increasing the visibility of the United Way and cultivating the vital role this organization plays in the lives of the men, women and children of our community."

Silacci currently serves on the Vision Committee of the Ventura County Community Foundation Destino: the Hispanic Legacy Fund, the board of directors of the Ventura County Economic Development Association, Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship, and on the Camarillo Healthcare District’s Administrative Community Leaders Advisory Panel.