Board & Staff
Staff
Megan Hartwick
(board secretary)
Executive Director
Board of Directors
Cory Krisher (board chair) – Store Director, Festival Foods
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.
Penny Ardelt – Customer Service Supervisor, First Citizens State Bank
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
Helen Mortazavi – Office Coordinator, Valero
Chris VanGundy – Sr. Health, Safety & Environmental Engineer, Valero
Latest Board & Staff News
The Power of Kindness & Caring
Our mission at United Way is simple – to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our communities. And while that fight always includes things like fundraising, advocacy, marketing & PR, and relationship building, it also always...
Board Member Input – Campaigning During a Pandemic
As most of you know firsthand, the pandemic has caused many of us to try new things. Some good like learning a new hobby, some bad like making a sourdough starter. What we all need to think about now is what can I do to help make a difference? For United Way...
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...