United Way NEXT News + Insights
Stay updated on all things United Way NEXT with our blog posts and press releases! We're proud to share about the work we're doing behind the scenes and feature United Way professionals making connections and making a difference 💙
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In the autumn of 1989, two men sat in a conference room somewhere in America's charitable heartland, sketching the contours of what would become one of the most enduring professional networks in the nonprofit sector. Gordon Berg and Chuck Devine could not have imagined that their nascent idea for a United Way Retirees Association would evolve into something far more ambitious: a living bridge between generations of social change agents, a repository of institutional memory, and a launching pad for the next chapter of community impact.
Historical Perspectives: A Look Back at United Way NEXT’s First 35 Years
Four UW NEXT Members Share Their Experience at the 2026 Great Rivers Conference
Every year, the Great Rivers Conference brings together hundreds of United Way professionals and volunteers from across the Midwest for three days of learning, collaboration, and connection. Designed for the network by the network, the conference creates space for attendees to exchange ideas, build relationships, and explore new approaches to strengthening communities.
Unlocking Leadership Growth: Naomi Asher’s UW NEXT Experience
United Way NEXT is proud to recognize the accomplishments of our members, and today we’d like to celebrate Naomi Asher's recent graduation from the Interim Executives Academy, a legacy program of Third Sector Company.
Naomi’s United Way journey began in 2015 as the Executive Director of UW of Anderson, Campbell, Morgan, and Scott Counties in Oak Ridge, TN. After 9 years with UWACMS, she went on to serve as the Chief Development Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley before transitioning to full time entrepreneurship with her company, The Maven Consulting. Self identifying as a “Passion Driven Professional” Naomi has various certifications she utilizes throughout her work as a Speaker, Author, and Trainer to help create pathways to success for all people. She’s also a Doctoral Candidate at Carolina University and volunteers as a Board Member for the City of Oak Ridge.
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 our Making Connections series, friends and former colleagues will get to read the stories and reflections from Kristi Shepard, Susan Eckert, Kerstin Rust, Tonja Couch, & Brian Tierney.
United Way NEXT Advocates at the 2026 National ALICE Summit
The National ALICE Summit is hosted by United Way of Northern New Jersey, led by CEO Kiran Handa Gaudioso, who we are proud to share is our 2026 Chair Elect for the United Way NEXT Board of Directors. The national gathering brings together United Way peers from across the country who are uplifting ALICE families through innovative partnerships, policies, and programs.
A Stellar Year of Impact And Gratitude For United Way NEXT
Looking back on the past year, we’re filled with gratitude for what this community made possible. Every milestone reached was the result of a united effort from our members, volunteers, donors, partners, and staff. Along the way, our 35th Anniversary gave us the chance to reflect, celebrate how far we’ve come, and recognize the people who continue to shape this community every day.
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Making Connections: Featuring 4 UW NEXT Members
Historical Perspectives: 35 Years of Newsletter Headlines…
35 Years of UW NEXT: How Sponsored Memberships…
Honoring Service And Welcoming New Voices On The UW NEXT Board
At United Way NEXT, our strength has always come from the people who step forward to lead with purpose, generosity, and heart. As we move into a new chapter, we’re proud to honor the leaders who have completed their board service, celebrate those continuing their commitment, and welcome new voices to help guide our work in the years ahead!
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