The United Way of Marathon County Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Jeff Sargent, Wausau has been hired for the position of Executive Director, effective November 28, 2016. He succeeds Joanne Kelly, who is retiring after 33 years with the organization.
Jeff’s appointment follows an extensive national search process and Search Committee review of over 120 resumes. “The Committee was extremely pleased with the interest and response from across the country. After rigorous review and screening, Jeff stood out as the best applicant from a very talented pool of candidates.” said Search Committee Co-Chair, Duane Meyer.
“Jeff is the right person to lead our organization at this time,” said Jim McIntyre, Board President. “Our board is committed to strategically increase collaboration among our partner programs and build stronger community support to effectively impact priority needs in our community. Jeff is an experienced leader who will make our great organization even better. He is familiar with the community and has developed innovative programs and services in his past positions,” he added.
For the past six years Jeff has served as the Executive Director of North Central Community Action Program overseeing the operation of a $5 million non-profit organization that provides services to low-income people in Lincoln, Marathon and Wood Counties. Prior to that time, he worked for 24 years at Children’s Service Society in many roles ranging from social worker to manager. He holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from UW-Madison.
Jeff currently co-chairs the United Way’s Housing and Homeless Coalition, serves on the United Way Speaker Bureau and LIFE Steering Committee and has served on several other local boards. “Throughout my career I have worked hand-in-hand with United Way and have always felt privileged to be connected with the organization. I see this opportunity as one that allows me to fulfill my life-long pursuit of serving the community with integrity and a commitment to help those who are less fortunate.”
"Jeff Sargent replaces Joanne Kelly, who has served our community for 30+ years,” McIntyre said. “Joanne has been the driving force behind the successful impact strategies and partnerships that exist in our community. We have been fortunate to have her leadership and are planning an appropriate recognition event in her honor in the near future.”
