UCP Management

Ann Coffey, MA, Executive Director

Ann Coffey came to UCP in 2003 as Community Services Director; she says she was very pleased to have found an organization that aligned with her personal values and beliefs.  In 2010, she was promoted to Executive Director when UCP's long-time Executive Director, Bud Thoune, retired.

Ann has an extensive background in psychology, and also has years of experience working with the elderly, the terminally ill, children with psychiatric diagnoses, and adults with developmental disabilities.   As the self-titled “puzzle master”, Ann gathers all the pieces of UCP together and moves them around until they can join in a productive, positive and pleasing manner.  Ann describes herself as spontaneous, fair and a good judge of character.  She lives in a rural community but stays active in the Portland community as well.

Jennifer Gwin, PHR, Human Resource Director

Jennifer came to UCP in 2002 from the hospitality and office management fields and since her promotion to HR Specialist in 2003 she has hit the ground running to grow a strong Human Resources program. 

Jennifer is certified as a Professional in Human Resources and is responsible for nearly all aspects of employee relations, employment and recruitment at UCP.  As a native Portlander, Jen has strong ties to the community and is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management, Portland Human Resource Management Association, and an informal Portland Nonprofit HR group. Jen is passionate about making UCP an excellent place to work.

Sarah Knight, Brokerage Director

Sarah joined UCP in November 2010 to open Connections, a Support Services Brokerage.  She has worked in the brokerage system fulfilling every type of role including administrative support, being a Personal Agent, and working with providers.  She is strongly committed to honoring the principles of self-determination and to respecting the choices that the people who are served by Connections  make in their lives.  She enjoys being involved in her community, problem-solving, and supporting co-workers so everyone can do their very best work.  She finds UCP a perfect fit for her own idea of a professional work environment and the brokerage philosophy.

Susan Cushman, Family Support Director

Susan has been involved with UCP, receiving invaluable support, since 1992 when her daughter was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.  She joined the UCP staff in 2006 when the current Family Support Director offered Susan the position.  Being a parent of a child with CP herself, a graduate of Partners in Policymaking, and with over 30 years of volunteer experience, Susan was able to step into the role with ease.  Susan’s primary function at UCP is to support families by being available by phone or in person to help a parent solve problems, discuss emotional issues, find resources, and get connected.