Historical Perspectives: 35 Years of United Way NEXT Programs & Services Add Value to the United Way Network as Well as the Lives of Alumni and Retiree Members
Since 1990, United Way alumni and retired members have continued to enthusiastically share their interests and knowledge with one another and their successors. Growing electronic technology has supported an ever-growing range of resources that range from skill-building [“Leveraging Relationships with the Community Foundation & Donor Advised Funds” June 2025] to social activities [“Cocoa with Carols - Carole & Carol-A Holiday Gathering” December 2023]. Most are featured in United Way Worldwide’s weekly Global Digest “Events and Webinars.” Continuously, United Way NEXT’s website displays an increasing variety of resources and events, archived newsletters, photos, and articles about United Way history.
From the beginning, regular association newsletters have both connected and entertained members. Past editors Arthur Plaut, Bill Tracy, and George Wilkinson filled snail-mailboxes with features about members [achievements and obituaries], reports of national and international activities [“Expanded Role for Local United Ways in New UWA Board Structure” Spring 1993], helpful hints [“How to Choose Your Primary Care Physician” Winter 1999], and humor [“Customer to restaurant server: ‘I’m going to order the broiled skinless chicken breast, but I want you to bring me the lasagna and garlic bread by mistake.’” December 2010].
When “UWRA” was founded in 1990, strategic planning and mentoring became regular member-provided services to local United Way organizations. Others included:
“Environmental Scanning,” the approach to determining the impact of external forces introduced by Paul Cherney decades earlier.
“CAN DO” identification of new approaches to focusing time and energy on high potential campaign prospects created by Bob Myers in the early 1980s.
“Planned Giving,” driven by Ruth Maldonado, senior fellow for the Mega Gifts Institute of the United Way of America.
“Interim Executive Leadership,” managed by alumnus Jeffrey Wilcox’s Interim Executives Academy (IEA).
UW NEXT has a formal partnership with the Interim Executives Academy, referring former United Way leaders to the interim training and placement program and connecting them with local United Ways. Its founder Jeffrey Wilcox, CFRE, serves on the UW NEXT Board of Directors. During the 1980s, while serving as a United Way marketing professional in Seattle, he attended a “Community Problem Solving” course at United Way of America. There, it occurred to him that the work of United Way was creating collective action in which “the sum was greater than its parts” and ignited his passion for Community Impact. “I knew then that this was the story that donors have wanted to hear. So, we began reshaping a shelf of products into a store that has something for everyone,” Jeffrey said. Since that time, he has used his marketing lens to help change the language and the understanding of communities in Phoenix, Los Angeles, Seattle and beyond. In 2002, Jeffrey formed Third Sector Company (now IEA) to support the leaders of those agencies and contribute to the continuity of leadership within the sector. Twice a year, it conducts the Interim Executives Academy to provide development opportunities for leaders who want to serve in those roles. More than 600 leaders have graduated from the program and nearly 60 have a United Way background.
Past Interim Executive Academy Graduates: Josh Kilgas, Zina Allen, Andrew Konkel, Kyle Rahn, & Doug Yeiser.
After 11 years with United Way of the Fox Cities in Menasha, WI, Josh Kilgas left his position as Vice President of Resource Development and started his own consulting business. While serving as an interim executive, he went through the Interim Executive Academy program. “Based on my experience with United Way NEXT, I actually increased my membership level of giving this year because I see the value it provides,” Josh said. “New United Way leaders must learn the system and it can happen much quicker with United Way NEXT and its network. It is all about connection.”
Bonita Duncan, retired CEO of United Way of Hunterdon County, New Jersey, facilitates the National United Way Interim Executives Academy Roundtables three times each year. The Roundtables offer opportunities for those 60+ United Way graduates of the Interim Executives Academy to stay up-to-date with the United Way movement so they are familiar with new tools, such as the Thriving United Way Framework. “Interim executives provide time and space for local United Ways to honor the past and thoughtfully consider their future direction and leadership,” said Bonita. When she retired in 2022, she knew she wanted to stay connected to United Way because “it’s tattooed into your DNA,” she said.
“United Way NEXT offers a wealth of resources,” Bonita explained, “connecting people with knowledge and expertise, virtually and in person. It’s a way to give back and pay it forward. And I love to meet and mingle with interesting people, sharing diverse perspectives on issues that matter to people.”
UW NEXT Mentors and Mentees: Bonita Duncan, Eve Powell, Megan Reynolds, Kristi Shepard, & Liz Thornton.
Bonita also serves as a mentor to local United Way leaders. One of those leaders is Brian Holt, CEO for United Way of Walworth County, WI. “Bonita reached out to me shortly after I began my journey about a year ago,” Brian said. “I know my community and I’ve learned about the importance of our local agencies since I’ve served on the County Board of Supervisors. But there were a lot of unknown unknowns that I’ve had to tackle. Talking with Bonita on a biweekly basis has been extremely valuable. From the very beginning, her goal was my success. I could bring specific challenges to our meetings, hear her feedback and feel affirmed that I was on the right track.” Bonita agrees. “Brian is very strategic and his contacts and prior work in his community are serving him well. Sometimes, a leader just needs one person, with no agenda other than being helpful, to acknowledge they’re on the right track.”
It’s not just CEOs who benefit from having a mentor. Eve Powell retired in 2023 after serving in a variety of Major Gifts and Planned Giving positions with United Ways in Denver, Dallas, and Atlanta. She’s served as a mentor for Danelle Glasscock, CEO for United Way of Greater Kingsport, TN. “Danelle wanted to expand Planned Giving and said she wanted me to be her accountability partner,” Eve explained. “So, I coached her to make sure they had a plan in place and were doing the work. I enjoyed hearing their progress and helping them to expand their revenue base.” Eve continued, “United Way is so important – it’s the most effective and efficient way to uplift communities. I just want more United Ways to thrive!”
Megan Reynolds, Director of Donor Engagement for United Way of Central Illinois, is working with Kristi Shephard as her mentor to expand their Major Gifts program. Megan says she feels fortunate to “tap into Kristi’s experience, learning what worked for her and thinking outside the box. She’s helping me to be more strategic and targeted in my approach.” Liz Thornton retired from the controller position for United of the Columbia-Willamette Valley, OR at the end of 2024. Liz is now helping some smaller United Ways with finance challenges. “United Way NEXT provides a place for former United Way employees to continue to serve and keep our brains active,” Liz said. “And it’s just a great way to continue to be connected to United Way and other professionals. My hope is that more finance people will join this network.”
UW NEXT provides significant value for current United Way professionals with its webinars and events that offer educational opportunities. Perhaps its greatest contribution is its ability to connect people and resources across the United Way network. And it’s providing value for leaders who have dedicated years of service to their local United Ways and are willing to continue to offer their experience and expertise for the benefit of others.
Could the founders of the United Way Retirees Association, now UW NEXT, have envisioned the breadth of today’s programs and services back in 1990? Considering their years of contributing to the growth and development of local, state, and national United Way services, you bet! Considering the willingness of today’s United Way alumni and retirees to continue to give of themselves, no question!
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About the Authors
Dick Aft, UW NEXT Emeritus Board Member
Following a 40-year United Way career during which Dick raised over a billion dollars to support local non-profit human services, he earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership & Development. Since then, he has served as an interim United Way CEO and mentor, and he has tried to use the things he has experienced and learned.
These include coaching new presidents of colleges and universities as sole proprietor of Philanthropic Leadership. Serving as a volunteer board officer of a score of organizations, currently: the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Cincinnati College Conservatory, Hoxworth Blood Center, the American National Classical Music Hall of Fame, and as Past Chairman and an emeritus board member of United Way NEXT. Teaching Values-Based Management [ethics] to Xavier University MBA students for 10 years. Spending 10 years “Of Counsel” with Gilman Partners Executive Search specializing in filling non-profit CEO positions. Serving as a historian for the 130-year-old United Way movement. [Four books, 25 webinars, and over 70 articles published to date.] Voluntarily helping Greater Cincinnati non-profit organizations strategically identify and recruit board members.
Dick’s wife Mary Lu has made dozens of foundation-funded trips abroad to coach government, business, and volunteer leaders on the establishment and oversight of health and social service organizations. Many of these trips have been as representatives of the former United Way International. Two of their three sons and one daughter-in-law are former United Way CEOs. Together, they have been United Way execs for over 100 years.
Read additional articles by Dick here.
Teresa Hall Bartels, Former United Way International President
Teresa Hall Bartels is the founder and principal of Hallbart Consulting, L.L.C., focused on leadership, team effectiveness and strategy for commercial businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She is passionate about servant leadership and helping individuals and teams to become high-performing, high-integrity leaders.
Currently Bartels serves as a Master Chair for a Vistage CEO Peer Group, an Advancing Leaders group, and three Vistage groups inside client companies. She has served as Interim CEO four times during her career, most recently as Interim President, Newman University, where she also served on the Board of Trustees for nine years. Bartels was the founding chair of the board for the University Center of Lake County, IL, a consortium of 18 colleges and universities offering degree completion and graduate level courses.
Bartels began her career in fundraising with United Way of America. She and her husband, Chuck, owned and operated two Manpower franchises in Northern Minnesota and Northern Illinois. Subsequently, she was President and CEO for United Way International and then Gateway for Cancer Research.
Read additional articles by Teresa here.