Chautauqua County's two United Ways have taken another major step towards becoming one countywide agency. On Tuesday, the membership of the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County (UWSCC) unanimously approved a merger with United Way of Northern Chautauqua County (UWNCC) during UWSCC's annual meeting at Moon Brook Country Club. The merger will now move forward to the New York State Attorney General's Office for review and final approval. Tuesday's vote follows approval given by each agency's Board of Directors in June to move forward with the merger. Both United Ways first announced the assessment of a potential merger in May.
United Way Executive Director Amy Rohler says, "This is the culmination of many months of work and many years of partnership with much consideration on how best to serve everyone in Chautauqua County, from our donors and community partners to the residents who need the programs we fund each year."
As independent agencies last year, the two United Ways of Chautauqua County impacted the lives of local individuals 32,991 times. Now, as a merged organization, United Way officials say the increase in impact which it will be able to have in the community will be exponential.
Tuesday's meeting also featured the appointment of the United Ways' Board of Directors. New board members include Mary Lou Bailen, Ivory Brooks, Lucas Catalano, Jason Dechard, Kelly Dimitri, Tyler Gotowka, Kyle Leikam, Matt Newman, Jacob Sam, Brad Rowe, Jennifer Wilkins, Don Williams, Jr., Dave Winchell and Kyle Yelich. Returning board members included James Cama, Luis Castro, Dr. Christopher Colburn, Maureen Donahue, Andrew Faulkner, Dan Gullotti, Carol Hay, Vince Horrigan, Damien Jackson, Deb Kathman, David Lockwood, Lew Meckley, Bonnie Peters, Mike Roberts, Jim Sherry and Heather Turner.
Photos by the United Ways of Chautauqua County
