Join a united way next work group

Our work groups are powered by members who bring their experience, ideas, and energy to the table. By joining a work group, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of United Way NEXT, collaborate with fellow members, and lend your voice to the areas that matter most to you. Each group plays a vital role in helping us grow and serve our community more effectively 💙

Explore our work groups below and let us know where you’d like to get involved!

DEIB | Engage & Exchange | Member Segment Value & Experience | Finance/Resource Development | Nominating

United Way NEXT DEIB Work Group

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging work group ensures that we’re keeping our commitment to the UW NEXT community! From advising on programming to shaping content and internal practices, these members champion equity and belonging across the organization. Their work helps us create inclusive spaces where every member feels seen, valued, and heard.

    • Dona Ponepinto

    • Roger Frick

    • Darlene Slaughter

    • David Nicole

    • Deborah Zuloaga

    • Henry Gascon

    • Jeffrey Wilcox

    • Carole Peters

    • Ivy Cirillo

United Way NEXT Engage & Exchange Work Group

In 2026, the UW NEXT Marketing Work Group joined forces with the Engage & Exchange Volunteers to help strengthen how we connect, communicate, and engage with our community. Collaborating closely with our Marketing, Communications, & Events Manager, these volunteers support event planning, marketing campaigns, content creation, member outreach, and the promotion of UW NEXT programs and resources. Together, they help create meaningful experiences and amplify the stories, opportunities, and connections that make UW NEXT special!

    • Darlene Slaughter

    • Susan Eckert

    • Barb Wentworth

    • Beth Terry

    • Bonnie Duncan

    • Deborah Bayle

    • Diane Lebson

    • Geniro Dingle

    • Jenny Palazio

    • Jim Yu

    • Kim Scheeler

    • Laura Marx

    • Neil Parekh

    • Patrick Jinks

    • Rodney Prunty

    • Susan Dunn

    • Terry Tolan

    • Carole Peters

    • Ivy Cirillo

United Way NEXT MSV Task Force

The Member Segment Value & Experience task force makes sure all members feel represented and supported at every stage of their United Way journey. Whether someone is early in their career, mid-transition, or recently retired, this group helps assess and improve offerings across the board. Their insights help us deliver a more personalized and valuable member experience!

* This work group is not currently accepting new members at this time.

    • Ann Fox

    • Kelli Kreps

    • Edwin Goutier

    • Carole Peters

    • Ivy Cirillo

United Way NEXT Finance/RD Work Group

In 2026, the UW NEXT Finance Work Group joined forces with the Resource Development & Member Recruitment Volunteers. Collaborating closely with our President & CEO and Membership & Engagement Coordinator, they will focus on growing our reach, our impact, & the resources we need to sustain our work across the network. Together, these volunteers will follow strategic initiatives to support fundraising efforts, membership outreach, planned giving, endowment growth, and financial planning.

    • Brian Hassett

    • DJ Hampton II

    • Benton Clark

    • Bob Ferriday

    • Ed Rivera

    • Juliet Clothier

    • Keith Barsuhn

    • Kiran Handa Gaudioso

    • Kyle Rahn

    • Liz Thornton

    • Mike Durkin

    • Paul DeBassio

    • Rob Reifsnyder

    • Tonja Couch

    • Carole Peters

    • Kerstin Rust

United Way NEXT Nominating Work Group

The Nominating work group plays an important role in identifying and recommending new board members and volunteer leaders. They help ensure our leadership reflects the diversity, expertise, and passion of our community. Their thoughtful vetting and strategic perspective keep our board strong, effective, and mission-driven.

    • Paul DeBassio

    • Ann Fox

    • Deborah Zuloaga

    • Diane Lebson

    • DJ Hampton II

    • Edwin Goutier

    • Rodney Prunty

    • Carole Peters