United Way NEXT Welcomes New Team Members to Support Growth and Engagement
As United Way NEXT continues to expand its impact and enhance member experiences, we are thrilled to announce two exciting additions to our team! Ivy Cirillo joined us as the Marketing, Communications, and Events Manager in January 2025, and Kerstin Rust will onboard as the new Membership & Engagement Coordinator in March 2025. Their expertise and passion will be instrumental as we strengthen our commitment to United Way professionals across the network.
Elevating Our Membership & Expanding Our Impact
At UW NEXT, we are always looking for new ways to support, engage, and grow our vibrant membership base. With Ivy leading our marketing and event initiatives and Kerstin driving deeper connections within our community, we are making a bold investment in the future of UW NEXT. These strategic hires will allow us to provide richer engagement opportunities, streamlined communication, and an expanded suite of member benefits.
“As we celebrate our 35th anniversary, bringing Ivy and Kerstin onto the team is a pivotal step in ensuring that UW NEXT continues to evolve alongside the network we serve,” said UW NEXT President & CEO, Carole Peters. “Their expertise will allow us to deepen relationships, enhance communication, and create more impactful experiences for our members.”
Meet the Newest Faces of United Way NEXT
Ivy Cirillo – Marketing, Communications, and Events Manager
Ivy Cirillo is a bestselling author, international speaker, and marketing strategist with over a decade of experience in content creation, event coordination, and brand development. She is passionate about accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that communication strategies are both effective and engaging for all. Before joining UW NEXT, Ivy served as the Marketing Associate & Volunteer Coordinator for Sioux Empire United Way, where she led digital marketing initiatives and helped reposition their Volunteer United program. Her background in marketing operations and event planning makes her a perfect fit to amplify UW NEXT’s messaging and member engagement.
In her role, Ivy will oversee the development and execution of UW NEXT’s marketing and communication strategies, plan and promote events, and collaborate with volunteer committee chairs. Through data-driven approaches and innovative engagement tactics, she will elevate the UW NEXT experience for both current and prospective members.
Kerstin Rust – Membership & Engagement Coordinator
Kerstin Rust brings over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience to UW NEXT, having served in both local and international organizations. Most recently, she was the Executive Director at United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties, where she spearheaded impactful community initiatives and strengthened strategic partnerships. She also led program development at Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest volunteer humanitarian association. Kerstin’s expertise in community engagement, program development, and relationship-building makes her an invaluable asset to the UW NEXT team.
As the Membership & Engagement Coordinator, Kerstin will focus on connecting, growing, and retaining members within the United Way network. She will play a key role in fostering deeper relationships, ensuring that members feel supported, valued, and equipped to thrive within their organizations.
Driving Growth & Innovation
This investment in UW NEXT’s future was made possible by the leadership and vision of our Board of Directors and our President & CEO. From the moment they hired Carole, she was instrumental in leading the transformation from United Way Retirees Association to UW NEXT, advocating for the resources needed to expand our team. Her dedication, along with the Board’s commitment, positions UW NEXT for long-term success as a dynamic resource for United Way professionals.
Board Chair Paul DeBassio shared his enthusiasm for this strategic move:
"The decision to expand our team reflects our commitment to strengthening United Way NEXT for our members and the broader network. Ivy and Kerstin bring exceptional skills and experience that align with our mission, and we are confident that their contributions will help take UW NEXT to new heights. The Board is proud to support this growth, knowing it will bring even more value to our members."
The Future of UW NEXT is Brighter Than Ever
With Ivy and Kerstin joining the team, UW NEXT is entering a new era of growth and connection. Their expertise will enhance member engagement, elevate our events, and create meaningful experiences that strengthen the United Way network.
As we celebrate our 35th anniversary, we are excited to leverage the energy, talent, and passion that these new additions bring to our team. The future of United Way NEXT is stronger than ever, and we look forward to the incredible impact we will create together!
Excited to Celebrate Our 35th Anniversary With Us?
We would love for you to join us! Not only will you have the chance to meet our two new team members, but you’ll have the opportunity to make connections and make a difference alongside new and long-term members of UW NEXT! For details on our upcoming events & anniversary festivities, check out this dedicated page!