About United Way
of Central Ohio
We have one clear purpose: reduce poverty in our community.
By bringing people and systems together and mobilizing them to act,
we’re helping to change community conditions and build a stronger, more equitable central Ohio.
Our Mission
Improve the lives of others by mobilizing the caring power of our community.
Our Vision
Build a community in which everyone has the aspirations, resources and opportunities to reach their fullest potential.
We are your neighbors, co-workers and friends. We are a collaboration of donors, volunteers, organizations and experts—UNITED around the shared sense of purpose to reduce poverty in our community. Founded in 1923, United Way of Central Ohio is one of the largest United Ways in the country. We bring together more than 80,000 donors, advocates and volunteers, because when we speak and act together, we have the power to do more and our impact multiplies.
Learn more
United Way has enjoyed the support of
central Ohio for many years with a proud
tradition of advancing the common good.
In 1887, church leaders in Denver recognized the need for a combined effort to solve the city’s social welfare problems and organized to raise funds to support 22 health and welfare groups.
In Columbus, the first steps were taken toward creating a more unified system of charities called “The Society of Organized Charities” and was designed to prevent overlapping and duplication. It became the city’s first united community planning group and information agency. The Society operated until 1899 when it was reorganized into the Associated Charities of Columbus.
In 1913, the first Community Chest was formed in Cleveland and was modeled after the Jewish Federation. Between 1919 and 1929 the number of community chests grew from 39 to 353 and by 1948 there were 1,000.
In 1923, a major step was taken. The Columbus Community Fund was formed to conduct a combined fund-raising campaign for 28 human services agencies. The fund was chaired by the Reverend E.F. Chauncey who was the rector of Trinity Episcopal Church and who called the campaign a “crusade.” The campaign set a goal of $488,425 and successfully raised $600,769.
America’s entry into WWII changed everything. Columbus became the second city in the nation to organize a War Chest and included the coordination of various charity drives.
In 1943, Organized Labor supported the idea of workplace giving through payroll deduction. Members of AFL-CIOs were elected to boards and now national labor organizations encouraged workplace giving.
By 1948, more than 1,000 communities had established United Way organizations.
In Ohio, United Appeals of Franklin County in 1951 became United Appeal and in 1972 to conform to the national trend, we became United Way of Franklin County. Finally, in 2000, we adopted United Way of Central Ohio to locally reflect the communities we serve.
Until January 2021, we were one of only three United Ways in major markets across the country fundraising in a single county. That changed when United Way of Central Ohio and United Way of Union County formally affiliated to create greater efficiencies, reduce expenses and increase impact for both organizations. United Way of Union County maintained its name and the local nature of philanthropy, funding and service delivery, as well as its staff and offices.
United Way of Central Ohio expanded its impact further when United Way of Pickaway County dissolved on March 31, 2022, and Pickaway County ZIP codes were added to our footprint. We have long provided program funding to agencies that serve families and students throughout central Ohio, beyond Franklin County, and we look forward to connecting more directly to work with Pickaway County residents in the future.
United Way of Central Ohio is a
volunteer-driven organization
Whose purpose is to measurably improve lives in our community. We recognize our responsibility to the community and the people we serve. We value those relationships and believe that we and our representatives must act in ways that honor the trust those communities have placed in us.
We adhere to a Code of Ethics that is based on the ethical standards of integrity, accountability, confidentiality, diversity, fairness and respect. As a member of United Way Worldwide, we follow The Global Standards for United Way Organizations. These Standards articulate the principles and practices that make United Way organizations unique and successful wherever they are in the world. As we work toward the goal of improving lives and strengthening our community, we also work to earn our community’s trust every day by maintaining the very highest standards of accountability and transparency.
We adhere to comprehensive requirements for audited financial statements that ensure consistency and transparency on the part of each local United Way. Diversity and inclusion inform every aspect of our work. We are continually aware of the importance of racial disparities and create strategies to reduce them.
United Way of Central Ohio is a
volunteer-driven organization
Concerned and compassionate citizens created United Way of Central Ohio to help people in need and make our community a better place for everyone.
Today, we are mobilizing the caring power of thousands of individuals and central Ohio employers to advance the common good. Together, we are working to create opportunities for a better life for all. We are joining hands, opening our hearts, lending our muscle and finding our collective voice.
United Way of Central Ohio is a
volunteer-driven organization
whose purpose is to measurably improve lives in our community. We recognize our responsibility to the community and the people we serve. We value those relationships and believe that we and our representatives must act in ways that honor the trust those communities have placed in us.
We adhere to a Code of Ethics that is based on the ethical standards of integrity, accountability, confidentiality, diversity, fairness and respect. As a member of United Way Worldwide, we follow The Global Standards for United Way Organizations. These Standards articulate the principles and practices that make United Way organizations unique and successful wherever they are in the world. As we work toward the goal of improving lives and strengthening our community, we also work to earn our community’s trust every day by maintaining the very highest standards of accountability and transparency.
We adhere to comprehensive requirements for audited financial statements that ensure consistency and transparency on the part of each local United Way. Diversity and inclusion inform every aspect of our work. We are continually aware of the importance of racial disparities and create strategies to reduce them.
Our success is measured by how well we make sustainable improvements in our community.
As we work toward the goal of advancing the common good, we also work to earn our community’s trust every day by maintaining the very highest standards of accountability and transparency.
We believe we have a responsibility, both to our donors and to the community itself, to ensure that the dollars people entrust to us are invested in ways that will produce the greatest measurable impact on lives, enabling our region to thrive. We now have over 90 funded partners who share our vision of creating positive change right here, in our communities in central Ohio.
Your Contribution Will Be Well Spent
United Way rigorously studies, personally inspects and re-qualifies each organization we support — every year. Our staff and volunteer experts evaluate and assist funded programs to deliver their services effectively and efficiently.
We offer our funded programs:
- Technical assistance and training
- Capacity building opportunities
- Guidance for defining and measuring impact
- Volunteer and board member recruitment
We maximize your contribution.
We take the business of managing and investing your gift seriously. We maintain efficient and effective operations – our current administrative and fundraising costs are only 16 percent of total net revenues.
Our performance exceeds Better Business Bureau guidelines, due to stringent cost controls and to the dedication of thousands of volunteers.
Our low overhead ensures that the vast majority of your money goes to people in need.
At United Way of Central Ohio, diversity, equity and inclusion inform every aspect of our work. We understand from experience that the best solutions are crafted by diverse perspectives and stakeholders.
Diversity is who we are. Our Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers come from many walks of life and reflect the many faces that make up our community. Our greatest strength is that we’re not all the same.
Inclusion is essential to what we do and strengthens our community. It is at the heart of what it means to Live United and to advance the common good; to be a diverse, equitable and inclusive system is fundamental to fighting poverty in central Ohio.
Equity is making sure everyone in the community has what they need to reach their full potential. We align resources, build strong partnerships and ensure the fair treatment of everyone.
United Way of Central Ohio’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement:
United Way of Central Ohio is committed to creating and maintaining a community where everyone has equitable opportunity to participate and contribute to their own success. Because our greatest strength as a community is that we are not all the same, everyone must be valued for their skills, experiences and unique perspectives.
We oppose all forms of structural racism, ethnic discrimination and other forms of oppression that have contributed to racial disparities in the past and persist in the present. Inequities and unfair policies and practices have marginalized entire populations, and we unequivocally denounce them, in any form. Racism and ethnic discrimination threaten the well-being of our entire community. United Way actively works to end all forms of inequities by dismantling unfair policies/procedures, and by engaging diverse residents and community members, particularly those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized.
As a trusted organization in central Ohio for nearly 100 years, we actively involve our for-profit, nonprofit and individual partners in co-creating solutions that build and sustain equity. We are committed to leveraging all our assets (e.g., convening, strategic investments, awareness building, advocacy) to create a more equitable central Ohio for all residents.
We adhere to comprehensive requirements for
audited financial statements that ensure consistency
and transparency on the part of each United Way.
Our requirements are based on current best practices in our industry as well as generally accepted accounting principles and requirements. The United Way system also includes requirements for completion of the IRS Form 990 to ensure transparency using consistent standards.
Independent Organization
United Way of Central Ohio (UWCO) is an independent organization founded and governed by local volunteers to create opportunities for a better life for all. UWCO is a member of United Way Worldwide and annually completes certification of strict membership requirements.
Strict Checks And Balances
United Way of Central Ohio has a stringent system of checks and balances in place to ensure it is operated in a sound fiscal manner. Through our Board of Trustees and volunteer committees, we draw upon the financial and management expertise in our community to continuously improve our fiscal performance. The organization’s operating budget as well as its community funding decisions are reviewed and approved by several volunteer committees, including the Board of Trustees.
High Audit Ratings
Each year, United Way of Central Ohio undergoes an annual financial statement audit by an independent CPA firm. The latest audit can be found here. Our independent auditors reported our financial statements fairly and accurately present the financial position of United Way of Central Ohio. The annual audit is approved by the volunteer Audit Committee and is also reviewed by the Board of Trustees.
Openness To Sharing Financial Information
United Way of Central Ohio’s work is made possible thanks to the support of thousands of individual investors and central Ohio employers who trust us to prudently invest their donations on behalf of the common good. Information regarding donations is available to all donors and we welcome questions regarding our investments in programs and services.
United Way Worldwide Membership Standards
Designations will be assessed noncollectable and administrative fees in accordance with United Way Worldwide Membership Standards. United Way of Central Ohio’s administrative fee is currently 10%.
In order to maintain your trust, written policies
and procedures are in place for your review.
We demand strong financial management, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, compliance with all United Way Worldwide membership requirements, and internal controls over all United Way resources.
The Board of Trustees guides our organization to create lasting change in central Ohio.
These dedicated leaders are the catalysts for the change that helps us all LIVE UNITED. Your United Way of Central Ohio Board of Trustees:
-
Barbara Benham – Chair
Executive Vice President
Chief Public Affairs Officer
Huntington Bancshares Inc. -
Donald Brown – Past Chair
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
NiSource -
Derrick Antwi, CPA
AVP, Business and Finance
Capital University -
Trudy Bartley
Associate Vice President, Local Relations and Community Affairs
The Ohio State University -
Tal Bendor
Vice President, Strategy Manager Americas
Swiss Re Americas -
Jeff Carper
Chief Operations Officer
White Castle Management Co. -
Duane Casares
Chief Executive Officer
Directions for Youth & Families Inc. -
Rachel Caviness
National Director of Business Development Private Client and Family Office Services
BDO -
Hope Cotter
Director of Marketing
Columbus Chamber of Commerce -
Dan Crane
Financial Director
Crane Group -
Talisa Dixon, ED.D.
Superintendent/CEO
Columbus City Schools -
Mark Fluharty
Executive Director
Central Ohio AFL-CIO -
Jeremy Gutierrez
Sr. Vice President/Sr. Commercial Banker
Fifth Third Commercial Bank -
Carrie Harris-Muller
Senior Vice President, Population Health
OhioHealth -
Michael Irving
Assistant Treasurer, United Way of Union County
Manufacturing & Quality Team Leader
Nestle -
Adam Lewin
President
Hamilton Parker Company -
Peter Lore
Board Chair, United Way of Union County
AVP, Quality Audit – P&C
Nationwide Insurance -
Elizabeth Martinez
President and CEO
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio -
Steve Mason
Chief Executive Officer
Medical Segment at Cardinal Health -
Azure’D Metoyer
Associate
Littler Mendelson P.C. -
Marlon Moore, Ph.D.
President
Marlon Moore Consulting -
Rocky Parker
SVP & Chief Talent Acquisition Officer
Nationwide Insurance -
Martyn R. Redgrave
Managing Partner and CEO
Agate Creek Partners, LLC -
Elise Spriggs
SVP/Associate & External Relations
State Auto Insurance Companies -
Meredith Schwager (Board Fellow)
Law Clerk
Bradley Frick & Associates -
Raja Sundararajan
Senior Vice President, Customer & Regulatory
AEP -
Robert Tannous
Managing Partner
Porter Wright -
Brooke Wagner
SVP, Merchandise Planning & Allocation
Designer Brands
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Sr. Relationship Manager
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Relationship Manager
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Manager, Resource Development Operations
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Donor Services Specialist
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Sr. Manager of Volunteer United
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Director of Public Sector Campaigns
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Director of Community Services
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SVP, Finance & CFO
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Donor Relations Coordinator
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President and CEO
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Biography:
Lisa S. Courtice is president and CEO of United Way of Central Ohio, one of the largest United Way organizations in the country. Under her leadership, United Way is helping to build a community in which everyone has the aspirations, resources and opportunities to reach their fullest potential.
Dr. Courtice is a Ph.D. psychologist with over thirty years of experience leading nonprofit programs and services, having served for over ten years as director of agencies directly providing services to those living in poverty in Ohio. Prior to joining United Way she served thirteen years as executive vice president and leader of community research and grants management of The Columbus Foundation, the seventh largest community foundation in the country.
Lisa currently serves on the boards of Syracuse University College of Arts & Sciences, Ohio United Way and Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio. In 2018 she was appointed by Columbus City Council to serve as a commissioner on the Commission on Black Girls. Her professional leadership has included serving as chair of the Weinland Park Collaborative and serving on the Ohio Wesleyan University and Columbus School for Girls Board of Trustees. Lisa received her Bachelor of Arts from Syracuse University, her Master of Arts from West Virginia University and her Ph.D. from the University of Akron. For the past three years, Lisa has been recognized on the Columbus Business First Power 100 list.
Position:
Director, Content & Communications
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Jill Geiger joined the Marketing Department at United Way of Central Ohio in January 2011 as Marketing Manager, Content Generation. As a member of the Marketing Department, she was responsible for writing and editing content for materials targeted to both internal and external audiences. She also developed and managed production of collateral materials, provided website and email content, and managed marketing projects across the organization.
Jill became the organization’s Director of Marketing in 2018, leading the development and implementation of communications messages and tools. Along with her team of two, she ensured the coordination and brand consistency of communications within the organization, and managed the creation and production of digital, print and audiovisual materials. She was named the organization’s Director, Content & Communications in January 2020. Her work at United Way has given her the unique opportunity to explore and share the stories of impact of many of central Ohio’s nonprofits.
Jill’s 30+ year career has included positions as writer/editor of a national hobby newspaper (weekly), as editor of a national bicycling magazine (monthly) and communications director for The Childhood League Center, a nonprofit center for children with special needs.
She has served on numerous committees at King Avenue United Methodist Church, where she is a member and has led the Meals-on-Wheels mission team for more than a decade. Jill holds a degree in Magazine Journalism from Ohio University and is currently enjoying an empty nest with her husband and numerous pets in Clintonville.
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Sr. Vice President, Resource Development
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Stephanie W. Harris has over 20 years experience in marketing, fundraising and business development. Prior to joining United Way, she was director of development for the Ohio State Legal Services Association and its affiliates – The Legal Aid Society of Columbus, the Ohio Poverty Law Center and Southeastern Ohio Legal Services. She served as director of marketing and development for Columbus Early Learning Centers for six years before joining OSLSA in 2011.
A native of Columbus, Stephanie received her bachelors and JD from The Ohio State University. Her career has included work in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she directed the public relations department for the City of New Orleans and served as managing editor for Gambit Newspapers. In 1985 Stephanie was recruited by Gannett Newspapers to direct the marketing department for the Ft. Myers News-Press in Ft. Myers, Florida.
Stephanie returned to Columbus in 1991 and began her work with nonprofit organizations with a focus on helping social service providers develop marketing and resource development plans and programs that create brand awareness and provide the sustained support that allows organizations to expand and serve their constituencies more effectively and efficiently.
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Chief Diversity Equity & Inclusion Officer / VP, Community Engagement
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Originally from the Cleveland area, Kourtni has lived, worked, and served in central Ohio since 2010, committed to engaging and learning from her Columbus community. To date, she has nearly 10 years of community service and advocacy experience.
Kourtni is the HR Manager at United Way of Central Ohio, where she leads an organizational strategic goal focused on creating a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, oversees benefits administration, and works closely with diversity and inclusion to assess and provide diversity, inclusion and equity initiatives to staff. She also serves as a member of the organization’s Leadership Team.
Kourtni is a member of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and in 2018, she received her SHRM certification. She is passionate about reinvesting in central Ohio, demonstrated through her completion of UWCO’s Project Diversity program, as a fellow of the 2020 African American Leadership Academy class and volunteerism at Community Shelter Board, and Godman Guild Association’s mentoring program. Kourtni has previously served on the Hilliard/Ray Patch YMCA Advisory Board and as the secretary of the Board of Trustees for Bridgeway Academy.
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Sr. Vice President, Finance & CFO
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Cheryl Nelson is Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for the United Way of Central Ohio. In her role, Cheryl is committed to ensuring the organization maintains adherence to strict accountability and transparency standards to maintain financial integrity and donor trust.
Cheryl has been a CPA (currently inactive) since 1987 and has over 25 years of experience in public accounting, healthcare finance and non-profit financial and operational management. Prior to joining the United Way in May 2001, Cheryl was the CFO of the Jewish Community Center (a United Way member agency) for four years. Cheryl’s first United Way experience was working as a Loaned Executive during the 1987 campaign.
Cheryl currently serves as an alumni member and past chair of the United Way Worldwide Financial Issues Committee. She is also a member of the Operations Council for UPIC Solutions, a national administrative services cooperative managed by local United Ways. Cheryl’s other volunteer work includes serving as a mentor in the United Way Women’s Leadership E3 program and a site coordinator for the TaxTime free tax preparation service.
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Vice President, Community Impact
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Valerie is Vice President for Community Impact Operations. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the Community Impact Department and works cross-functionally with other departments to ensure collaboration, communication and the implementation of strategies and processes that ensure maximum success.
Valerie began her career with United Way of Central Ohio in December 2007 as the organization’s first full-time Public Policy Director. In that role she oversaw the development and implementation of United Way’s public policy agenda and helped advance public policies that impacted early care and education, financial stability, safe and affordable housing and access to healthcare. Her efforts helped establish United Way’s presence among statewide coalitions that advocate on behalf of health and human services.
In April 2016 Valerie was promoted to Assistant Vice President for Public Policy & Government Relations where she worked to ensure the integration of public policy advocacy throughout United Way’s work. In September 2017 Valerie transitioned to her current role of Vice President for Community Impact Operations.
Valerie is a 2010 graduate of Leadership Columbus and a 2018 graduate of the African American Leadership Academy (Favored 14). Valerie graduated from Miami University with a degree in Communications. Prior to relocating to Columbus, Valerie served as the Public Policy Coordinator for Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland. She also managed the public policy activities of the Cleveland Area Alzheimer’s Association and the Ohio Council of the Alzheimer’s Association. Valerie enjoys gardening, music, theatre arts, swimming, pouring into the lives of others and spending time with family and friends.
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Sr. Vice President, Community Impact
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Michael Wilkos is Senior Vice President of Community Impact. His team develops effective strategies to improve our community and invests in programs provided by funded partners to implement these strategies.
Prior to joining United Way, Michael was Director of Community Research at The Columbus Foundation. During his tenure at the foundation he initiated, led, and managed more than $9 million in competitive grant-making to support holistic community revitalization in Weinland Park, an effort to stabilize and revitalize a mixed-income community near The Ohio State University. Prior to joining the foundation, Michael served as Senior Impact Director and Director of Neighborhood Development at United Way of Central Ohio. In that position he managed program allocations supporting neighborhood development strategies. Among many other duties, he also directed volunteer involvement in developing and implementing strategies supporting housing and community safety programs.
The Planning and Investment Committee provides the strategic guidance and oversight necessary to ensure the advancement of UW’s funding investments. The committee helps to ensure that funding investments align with UW’s Community Impact strategies. The Planning and Investment Committee oversees the coordination of UW’s Program Investment Process, provides strategic guidance on development and implementation of System & Innovation and Neighborhood Based investment agendas; reviews proposed investments and sources potential new investment opportunities. The committee also provides the strategic guidance and expertise necessary for performance measurement and continuous learning and improvement.
Trudy Bartley, Chair
- Derrick Antwi
- Amiee Bowie
- LaShaun K. Carter
- Hope Cotter
- Byron Ekey (Fisher Fellow)
- Steven Gladman
- Isi Ikharebha Green
- Jeremy Gutierrez
- Paul Haggard
- Hannah Jones
- Nicholas Jones
- Bill Lafayette, Ph.D.
- Jennifer Marshall
- Steve Mason
- Patrick Westerlund
The Public Policy Committee provides strategic guidance and expertise needed to create and implement a public policy agenda that supports United Way of Central Ohio’s mission to reduce poverty.
Fred Ransier, Chair
- Darnita Bradley
- Tara Britton
- Shawna Bosse Davis
- Amy Goyal
- Holly Gross
- Hannah Halbert
- Lisa Patt-McDaniel
- Max Pristic
- Michael Madriaga
- Tracy Nájera
- Zach Reat
Robert Tannous, Chair
- Julia R. Baxter
- Kevin E. Griffith
- Joy Lehman
- Michelle Miller
- Rocky Parker
- Lori Pierson
- Katrina Plourde
- Krystal Rodriguez
- Camille Thompson
Provides strategic direction and oversight for the annual audit, internal controls, potential risks and exposures for the organization.
Duane Casares, Chair
- Carrie Harris-Muller
- Craig Marshall
- Jeff Miller
- Rick Schumacher Jr.
- Elise Spriggs
- Brad Walters
The Executive Committee is comprised of the Chair, the Chair-elect, the immediate past Chair, the Treasurer/Secretary, the vice chairs, a member agency representative, and a representative of organized labor. The Executive Committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the full Board of Trustees between meetings.
Barbara Benham, Chair
Donald Brown, Immediate Past Chair
- Trudy Bartley
- Duane Casares
- Dan Crane
- Talisa Dixon, Ed.D.
- Mark Fluharty
- Raja Sundararajan
- Robert Tannous
Provides strategic direction and oversight for the financial operations of the organization including the operating budget, pledge collections and other financial matters. Reports to the United Way of Central Ohio Board of Trustees.
Raja Sundararajan, Chair
- Mark Bidstrup
- Brad Campbell
- Rachel Caviness
- Dan Crane
- Laura DiFillippo
- Doug Fosnaugh
- Sean Grant
- Danella Hicks
- Conor Hoffman
- Bill McGee
- Denise Robinson
- Stephanie Smith
Dan Crane, Chair
- Donald E. Brown
- Adam Lewin
- Rocky Parker
- Toshia Safford
- Robert Tannous
Provides strategic marketing and communication expertise to United Way of Central Ohio (UWCO). The marketing and communication experts on this committee will advise UWCO on strategies for critical communications, as well as assist with developing long-range marketing plans that maximize the impact of key brand messages.
Jim Kilgore, Chair
- Molly Culbertson
- Tiffany Grinstead
- Ted Hattemer
- Xan Palay
- Cheryl Pentella
- Gayle Saunders
- Elise Spriggs
The Resource Development Committee defines, champions and refines a business model that produces the resources required for United Way of Central Ohio to achieve its work. It provides strategic direction and a framework to support the Campaign Chairs’ and the staff’s annual and longer-term fundraising efforts. And it advises the Board of Trustees on matters relating to the development of resources and appropriate policies to guide development efforts.
Martyn Redgrave, Co-Chair
Jeremy Gutierrez, Co-Chair
- William Alston
- Alex Anthony
- Debbie Donahey
- Brandon Dupler
- The Rev. Monsignor Joseph M. Hendricks
- Denise Robinson
- Elon Simms
- Robert Tannous
- Kelly Jennings Yeoman
