After 33 years with United Way of Marathon County, including 30 as Executive Director, Joanne Kelly has announced her plans to retire at the end of the year. “While it is difficult to leave, it’s at a time when the organization has exceptional staff and volunteer leadership. It’s been a privilege to serve a great community with people who are so willing to step up and make a difference,” stated Kelly. “With my husband’s retirement a few years ago, the time is right for me and I’m looking forward to serving the community in a volunteer capacity in the future,” she added.
Board President Jim McIntyre commented, “Joanne has been a tremendous leader, steering us to be one of the top performing United Ways of our size over the past three decades. The board will sincerely miss her, but we recognize this as a great time for Joanne to enjoy the next stage of her life.”
This announcement also comes at a time the organization has celebrated great achievements, such as being named the 2015 Small Business of the Year by the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce, receiving Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star ranking and achieving campaign growth.
“Our United Way is strong and has a bright future,” said McIntyre. “We have a very experienced and capable staff, a dedicated and diverse board of directors and strong relationships within the community. Through United Way we are joining together to make a greater impact on our priorities.” The United Way of Marathon County Board will select a search committee at its June meeting to begin a national search for the next executive.
