Board & Staff
Staff
Megan Hartwick
(board secretary)
Executive Director
Board of Directors
Penny Ardelt (board chair) – Customer Service Supervisor, First Citizens State Bank
Kevin Paynter (board treasurer) – Collections Officer, Fort Community Credit Union
Dave Geiger – Principal, Luther Elementary School
Robin Kennedy – Vice President of Mission Advancement, Opportunities, Inc.
Cory Krisher – Store Director, Festival Foods
Matt Yonke – Human Resources Manager, HUSCO International
Ben Wehmeier – County Administrator, Jefferson County
Nancy Alstad – Human Resources Director, Fort Healthcare
Lynsey Schwabrow – Chief of Institutional Research and Planning, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Lisa Caras – Marketing Manager, Jones Dairy Farm
Latest Board & Staff News
Board Member Input – COVID-19 Relief Fund’s Positive Impact
I have served on the United Way Board for several years and am so proud to do so! At the beginning of the global pandemic, the United Way Board held some virtual meetings to see how we could best help people in our community. Under the suggestion and guidance of our...
Board Member Input – Reflecting on Sexual Assault Awareness Month
In light of April having been Sexual Assault Awareness month, United Way board member, Penny Ardelt, reflected on what she has learned about resources available in our communities for sexual and domestic abuse victims. Thanks to our local United Way Partner agencies,...
Board Member Input – An Unprecedented Time
During this time of uncertainty and crisis, our communities have come together to support one another in special ways. It is times like these where we value the simple things such as family. Family is what gives us solace and brings us together, even when we cannot be...
Board Member Input – Joining United Way at a Critical Time
As a new member of the United Way board of directors this year, I am honored to be part of such a thoughtful, supportive, and impactful group of individuals that give their time and talent to support the agencies that care for our communities. This year I have learned...
Board Member Input – A New Year, A New Opportunity to Help
Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of being a both a United Way Board member and past Campaign Chair. The generosity of the community is incredible, keeping the United Way there for all of us. The monies donated to the United Way are subsequently...
Intern Input – Favorite Time of the Year
As the weather starts to get colder, the beauty of the season causes many of us to feel warmness in our hearts, and that is why this is my favorite time of year. For as long as I can remember, Christmas has been my absolute favorite holiday. I loved getting presents...
Board Member Input – Holiday Season at United Way
I have been on the board for the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties for almost 3 years now. I have always known that United Way is a great asset for any community. Serving on the board has given me a whole new perspective. The work that goes into...
Intern Insight – Chili Cook-Off Success!
Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of running our 20th annual United Way Chili Cook-Off. It was a tremendous success, and I enjoyed working with all of the participants, volunteers, and community members. Roughly 300 community members kicked off the holiday season...
Board Member Input – Them Fightin’ Words
"You know they's lots o' words that's called fightin' words. Some o' them starts a brawl, no matter who they're spoken to." So says Ring Lardner in his 1917 Gullible's Travels. What are those them fightin words all about? Well, my fellow board members and I were...
Intern Input – Community of Giving
Things are going great here at United Way, and I am really enjoying myself and the work I am doing. My favorite part about my role at United Way is working with the community here. Over the past couple of days I have had the opportunity to communicate with and meet a...