Making Connections: Featuring 5 United Way NEXT members
United Way NEXT is proud to connect current and former United Way professionals throughout a rich community of diverse members. In this installment of Making Connections, friends and former colleagues will get to read the stories and reflections from Rodney Prunty, Keisha Browder, Lindsay Fox, Betsy Block, & Rob Reifsnyder.
Rodney Prunty
Member Segment: United Way Staff
My journey at United Way began in 2000 when I served as the director of an organization funded by the local United Way in my hometown of Rockford, Illinois. At the time, I would frequently conduct presentations on behalf of United Way as an agency provider. I remember being fascinated with the scope and breadth of the work of United Way, and because of that experience, I made a decision that I would work for United Way in the future.
I started at United Way of Rock River Valley (UWRRV) as a Resource Development Manager from 2007 to 2010, and from 2010 to 2013, I served as Vice President (or COO). In August 2013, I had the wonderful and awesome responsibility of serving as President and CEO of United Way of Racine County (UWRC). I served in that role for six years until 2019, when I became President and CEO of United Way of North Central New Mexico (UWNCNM). In all, 12 of my 18 years of service have been in the role of CEO.
What I enjoy most about being part of this community is how well the United Way Network supports one another. We share best practices without being protective, and we all “speak the same language” and understand our challenges. United Way NEXT provides opportunities to support United Way professionals, whether in revenue diversification or Planned Giving, and serves as a resource to help mitigate local challenges.
Personally and professionally, I value the connections and relationships, the opportunity to engage with United Way alumni, exchange ideas, and continue learning key functional areas to improve our communities.
Carole Peters brought me to United Way NEXT, and I have always held her in high regard. We met at a Great Rivers Conference when she was a new CEO at United Way of Greater McHenry County, and we struck up a friendship and connection that has lasted to this day. Carole is an innovative leader, and I am proud of how she has evolved United Way NEXT into the organization it is today.
Keisha Browder
Member Segment: United Way Staff
My career journey with United Way began as the Development Director with Trident United Way in Charleston, South Carolina, following an amazing career journey with Girl Scouts throughout the United States. Since 2009, I have deepened my resource development and marketing experience with United Way, transitioning to Director of Development & Marketing with United Way Santa Cruz County. In 2017, I was promoted to Associate Executive Director, and in 2018, I became the CEO of United Way of Santa Cruz County. After six years as CEO, I took on the role of CEO with United Way Bay Area (San Francisco Greater Bay Area).
One memorable story from my journey with United Way was during my time as the CEO of United Way of Santa Cruz County. We were working on a project to provide emergency relief to families affected by the devastating wildfires in the region. The community came together in an incredible way, with volunteers, local businesses, and donors all contributing to the effort. I remember a family who had lost their home in the fires. They were overwhelmed with gratitude when we were able to provide them with temporary housing, food, and other essential supplies. Seeing the relief and hope in their eyes was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we come together to support those in need.
UW NEXT gives me the opportunity to stay connected to the amazing leaders I have met in the network and share best practices as we deepen our work in our communities. I care deeply about dignity, integrity, and compassion. It is an honor to partner with amazing human beings who share these values to create healthy, thriving, and vibrant communities. UW NEXT brings immense value to my personal and professional life by fostering a sense of community and collaboration. It allows me to continue learning and growing while making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Lindsay Fox
Member Segment: United Way Alumni
I came to United Way on a winding path of public service, philanthropy, and systems change. I started in public service with the California State Legislature, then returned home to the Central Valley to work on education and community initiatives. In 2016, I stepped in to lead United Way Fresno and Madera Counties and it changed the course of my career. Over eight years as President and CEO, I worked with an incredible team and board to stabilize the organization and sharpen its purpose around working families and prosperity. That experience set me on the path I’m on today, helping other United Ways and nonprofit organizations clarify strategy, strengthen boards, and turn vision into action through my consulting work. Supporting local United Ways has quickly become one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
UW NEXT keeps me connected to the network I came to love and it makes that support even richer. The resources, tools, and conversations spark ideas I can carry into my work and the community itself is invaluable. It’s a space where I can learn, share, and see the bigger picture. I stay because the value is real, professionally and personally. UW NEXT is always working to better support the United Way network and I’m glad to be part of it. Both as a member and a part of the Consultant Collaborative leadership team.
When I’m not working, I’m a Fresno-based mom and grandma, an avid reader, and a loyal sports parent.
Betsy Block
Member Segment: United Way Alumni
My United Way journey started in 2010 with United Way of the Bay Area, looking at economic security data. That research project led to my role as Vice President of Evaluation + Insight, and eventually to working with both UWBA and United Ways of California on the Real Cost Measure. As a consultant, then employee, then consultant again, and coach, my journey with United Way is still going strong.
What emerged during my time as an employee was my love of supporting teams and organizations as they navigated strategic shifts. Early on, I administered a federal capacity building grant to help teams become more data driven; while the teams received technical capacity building, they also needed transformative cultural support. And now, that is the heart and soul of my work as a systemic team coach!
UW NEXT is an exciting opportunity for me. I’ve always seen United Way chapters and state organizations as connectors and network builders, with a focus on ensuring the community of people and the organizations that serve them are healthy. I’m grateful UW NEXT is helping harness our collective leadership to support stronger nonprofit leadership and potential.
Rob Reifsnyder
Member Segment: United Way Retiree
I joined United Way of America two weeks after college graduation, becoming a Group 3 Intern. I remember mentioning to my fellow Interns, “I think I’ll give this a try for a year and see if I like it.” 43 years later I retired from a rewarding career with United Way — I guess you could say I liked it!
After internships in Torrington, CT, and New Orleans, LA, I spent three years as Associate Director of the Berkshire County, MA United Way, then eight years in several positions with what is today United Way of Greater Cincinnati, ultimately becoming what would be called today Chief Development and Marketing Officer. 14 years as CEO of Metro United Way in Louisville, KY, was followed by 18 years as CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati. After retiring in 2018, I spent three years consulting part-time with United Way Worldwide. It was a very fulfilling career –while not every day was a joy(!), I woke up every day with the opportunity to help improve people’s lives.
In retirement I’m serving on five nonprofit Boards of Directors, including United Way NEXT. I’m running more, exercising more, enjoying family and friends, reading more, playing a bit more golf, and sleeping more! My wife Gretchen and I also enjoy travelling, which we try to do as often as possible.
When I was with United Way of Greater Cincinnati, our United Way was a member of United Way NEXT, and so was I – and I’ve been a member ever since. I really enjoy the continued connection with friends and colleagues that I worked with in the United Way Network, and I love that we’re working to help local United Ways and their staff leaders in the challenges and opportunities they face today. These friendships continue to mean so much to me today.
We hope you've enjoyed reading about your fellow United Way NEXT members! If you'd like to connect with them individually, we encourage you to join our LinkedIn and Facebook groups 💙
PS. If you're interested in sharing your own story in the NEXT installment of our Making Connections series, please email Ivy Cirillo!