“This past year was an exciting one for United Way as we reached out to the community with focus groups and surveys to find out what the main social issues are in Washington County,” said Marcia Arndt, outgoing President. “A key issue that surfaced was the need for services in the Hartford area. This led to Mobilizing Hartford, a locally based group that analyzed the needs in the Hartford community. The United Way Resource Center of Hartford is the result, a place where residents can connect with information and referrals to nonprofit services. It is also a place where people can gather with activities, trainings and workshops improving the lives of all those who live and work in Washington County. I’m proud to be a part of United Way, a key organization in the county to lead the collaboration to address root issue problems and make the lives of our friends, family and neighbors better.”
At the Annual Meeting held earlier this year the following officers were elected: President Rob Johnson-Kettle Moraine YMCA, Vice President Mike Murphy- Executive Director West Bend Public School Foundation, Co- Secretary Patti Harmann- Slinger High School and CO- Secretary Michael Keagle- Brady Corporation, and Treasurer Ben Becker- First National Bank of Hartford.
“When I was asked to be President of the United Way of Washington County I was happy to say yes,” explained Rob Johnson, President. “I knew at that time that our United Way was going to take huge strides in accomplishing the goals that the Board of Directors had established. Kristin Brandner, Executive Director, surrounded herself with great staff that work hard to minimize the work of the volunteers, but yet maximize their time and commitment to the organization. Lastly, I am happy to work with several talented volunteers who continue to amaze me each year. I look forward to continuing a great tradition that Marcia Arndt and Kelly Tighe, past presidents, have worked hard on over the past couple of years.”
Board members elected to a first three-year term include: Mary Lynn Bennett- Community Volunteer, Christine Brooks- Maysteel, Erika Doherty- BMO Harris Bank, Ryan Hetzel- Hetzel & Nelson, Mike Kenitz- Kenitz Law Office, Pete Rettler- Moraine Park Technical College, Karl Schultz- Froedtert Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Kelly Wendorff- Steel Craft.
Doug Johnson- Washington County and Mike Murphy- West Bend Public School Foundation were elected to serve a second three-year term.
Bonnie Debroux - Family Center was elected to serve a two-year term as an agency representative on the board and Dennis Block-Girl Scouts of SE Wisconsin was elected to serve a one year term as an agency representation.
Board members who continue to serve are Ben Becker- First National Bank of Hartford, Doreen Buntrock- community volunteer, Bob Gannon- Richards Insurance, Patti Harmann- Slinger High School, Rob Johnson- Kettle Moraine YMCA, Michael Keagle- Brady Corporation, Michael Laird- Aurora Healthcare, Randy Spaulding- Spaulding Clinical Research, Rick Sinur- Broan- Nu Tone, Douglas Stowe- Divine Savior Lutheran Church, Kelly Tighe- West Bend Mutual Insurance, and Paul Ziegler- community volunteer.
Departing board members recognized included Marcia Arndt- Moraine Park Technical College, Dan Dineen- Vanden Heuvel & Dineen and Michael Schilling- BMO Harris.
The United Way of Washington County funds 33 programs through 22 agencies in four community impact areas: supporting people in crisis, strengthening families & communities, developing successful children & youth, and promoting self-sufficiency.
