Leader Steps Down After Decade of Leadership

After a decade of leadership as United Way Blackhawk Region’s (UWBR) President & CEO, Mary Fanning-Penny has resigned and accepted a position to become Vice President of Communications for Summit Credit Union.

Fanning-Penny submitted her resignation to UWBR’s Executive Committee in confidentiality earlier this month to preserve focus on the March 13 LIVE UNITED Celebration and the event’s positive recognition for award honorees. Her last official day in office will be March 22.

Since Fanning-Penny began her tenure in July 2014, UWBR has invested more than 17.3 million dollars in community grants and initiatives to advance health, education, and financial stability.

“As President & CEO, Mary established a compelling vision to align our board and team on ambitious goals,” said United Way Blackhawk Region Board Chair Dan Williams. “As a result of Mary’s leadership, United Way cultivated new donors and corporate partnerships, amplified our brand, hosted flawless special events, and orchestrated a transformation to the Community Impact model.”

In the announcement linked below, Williams concluded by stating, “United Way and our community have benefited from Mary’s passion and dynamic leadership. On behalf of a grateful board, we wish her all the best.”

UWBR's Transition Plan

UWBR is moving forward with expediency on its transition plan. UWBR’s Board of Directors appointed Vice President Denise Peters-Kauihou as Acting President & CEO. Additionally, UWBR appointed a search committee, co-chaired by Tom McCawley and Patty Schumacher for the organization’s next leader.

“While Denise has elected not to pursue the executive role permanently, we appreciate her loyalty to United Way’s mission and applaud her willingness to step in,” McCawley said. “Denise’s 13 years of service will ensure continuity of operations and stability for the team, trusted leadership for our community, and a seamless transition.”

Search Committee Co-Chairs

Tom McCawley is Vice Chair of United Way Blackhawk Region’s Board of Directors and a Vice President for Beloit Health System. McCawley serves on the organization’s Executive Committee and was recently presented with United Way’s “Geraldine Hedberg Volunteer of the Year Award.”

Patty Schumacher also serves on United Way’s Board of Directors and is Chair of the Community Impact Council, a volunteer-driven committee that monitors accountability and measurable outcomes from funded partners. Schumacher retired from BMO in 2021 after 42 years in the financial sector.

LIVE UNITED Celebration Highlights

United Way recognized its corporate supporters, donors, volunteers, and community partners at its annual LIVE UNITED Celebration, held at the Eclipse Center in Beloit. The luncheon’s theme centered on United Way’s efforts to blaze a trail to a stronger community, a creative nod to the top prize in the GIVE & WIN Sweepstakes – a 2023 Chevy Trailblazer.

United Way touted top charity ratings, an aspiration to occupy a smaller footprint and sell its downtown Janesville building, increases at 50 workplace campaigns, and community investments equating to more than $2.6 million as recent accomplishments. More than 220 benefactors were in attendance on Wednesday and enjoyed a stirring musical performance by one of United Way’s former Board Chairs, Al Hulick. 

GIVE & WIN Sweepstakes

Scott Fischer, a Director at Baker Tilly and past UWBR Board Treasurer, verified proceedings and randomly selected from a clear tumbler, opened and announced live, winners of the top two prizes.

Finalists for the $2,500 cash prize (sponsored by Fairbanks Morse Defense) included: Rebecca Flippin, Assistant Director at Dollar General; Isaac Rojas, Sanitation Team Leader at Hormel; and Stacey Stackhouse, an advocate at Community Action. Rebecca was the lucky winner!

Congratulations to Phil Smith, a business leader at Andritz, on winning top prize (sponsored anonymously) a rugged 2023 Chevy Trailblazer!

Cornerstone Awards

This year, there are three United Way corporate partners who have achieved the impressive Cornerstone Award. Presented only to those workplace campaigns with pledges and combined corporate gifts that exceed $100 thousand dollars. Congratulations and thank you to ABC Supply, Kerry, and Regal Rexnord!

Congratulations and thank you, ABC Supply Co., inc! ABC remains the largest workplace campaign in the Blackhawk Region with results exceeding $200,000!

Kerry, on behalf of our funded partners and vulnerable neighbors, thank you!

We are appreciative for your continued partnership and generous support, Regal Rexnord!

GIVE.

Emerging Campaign Award: Frito-Lay

The Emerging Campaign Award is presented to a business / organization that hosted a first-time United Way Workplace Campaign, re-established and/or enhanced its campaign in support of the community.

Frito-Lay achieved its largest workplace campaign in more than a decade, increasing total dollars raised by more than $27,000. Frito-Lay makes giving “good fun,” and their revitalized campaign was made possible by strong tone at the top, generous employee pledges, and an impressive company match. The innovative team of campaign coordinators at Frito-Lay included Brandi Whitt, Ben Ludtke, and Ryan Steuck.

ADVOCATE.

Excellence in Advocacy Award: John Pfleiderer

Every year, United Way Blackhawk Region recognizes an individual that strives to create meaningful change and demonstrates measurable progress toward improving lives and strengthening our community. This year’s United Way Excellence in Advocacy Award goes to John Pfleiderer. 

Advocacy demands much of the seasoned practitioner. Sheryl Sandberg said, “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence."

John’s unwavering commitment to and passion for social change is part of the very fiber of this community. Even in his absence, the impact of his career will be felt in the same rooms where work continues toward equality, where children are finding safe harbor, and where people are healing from all means of trauma and injury. His impact will be in the toolbox they offer, filled with validation, resilience, empowerment and worth. In his absence and because of his presence, they will find hope for healing.

VOLUNTEER.

Geraldine Hedberg Volunteer of the Year Award: Tom McCawley

The Geraldine Hedberg Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to an individual for their outstanding volunteer service to United Way Blackhawk Region.

Tom McCawley is a mighty trailblazer. As a Vice President for Beloit Health System, Tom lends his influential voice to decisive action. There and at United Way, he models quality leadership by helping others to find their voice and feel heard, by encouraging creative solutions and different perspectives, by not allowing any one issue or challenge to slow us down but instead, to harness the talents of the collective to achieve our goals.

LIVE UNITED.

Live United Award: Ecolab

The LIVE UNITED Award is presented to a company that displays exceptional support to United Way through its workplace campaign and volunteer support.

Ecolab is a valued and long-time United Way partner, dedicated to making our world safer and healthier. The creative employee coordinators at Ecolab consistently deploy best practices in their campaign, leveraging fun themes and special events to drive participation year after year. In 2023, Ecolab attained 95% participation in its campaign, which is commendable for any organization, but particularly for a workforce its size.

The company generously matches employee pledges and affords employees a voice in charitable giving, through a grants committee. Ecolab has also engaged in United Way’s mission and impact by sponsoring a Born Learning Trail at Summit Park in Beloit. Beyond financial support, Ecolab is a loyal participant in United Way’s Day of Caring sending multiple teams of hard-working volunteers every year.

2023 - 2024 Annual Report

At our LIVE UNITED Celebration, UWBR released the new 2023-24 Annual Report. Highlights include a special message from our Board Chair, Leadership Circle donors, award winners, Day of Caring photos, and more!

United Way's 211 is powered by real people – trained specialists who listen, identify underlying problems, and connect people in need with resources that improve their lives. That means from the first hello, someone in crisis is reaching a real person who can provide a connection to help.

2024 Sponsorship Menu

A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available to promote your business and brand with United Way in 2024.

Act fast! United Way Blackhawk Region has more than 150 corporate partners and many of the sponsorship opportunities listed are limited. Once selections are made, complete the fillable form on the back page and email it to Erin Davis.

Thank you for your partnership!

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Accountability

United Way Blackhawk Region (UWBR) fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. For another consecutive year, our sound fiscal management practices, commitment to accountability and transparency have earned UWBR top ratings from the nation's largest charity evaluators. UWBR adheres to standards set forth by United Way Worldwide and remains a member in good standing.