Learn about our committee structure
As a volunteer-driven organization, we recruit local leaders and subject matter experts to help steward our community’s generosity and set strategic priorities to meet our region’s complex needs. United Way Blackhawk Region’s committee recruitment takes place annually, and composition includes a blend of both board members and community stakeholders.
United Way Blackhawk Region volunteer leadership introduced during the 2022 10th Anniversary Day of Caring & Campaign Kickoff Breakfast at ABC Supply Field in Beloit.
If you’re interested in learning more about, or volunteering to serve on, any of our committees, please contact us.
Summary
United Way Blackhawk Region (UWBR) fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community.
The purpose of the Building & Property Committee is to provide strategic leadership and oversight of activities associated with the operation, maintenance, safety and security of the Community Services building and grounds.
2025 Members
- Chair: Greg Ardrey, Alliant Energy
- Kelly Bedessem, City of Janesville
- Scott Bordwell, First National Bank & Trust
- Amy Lokrantz, ABC Supply Co. inc.
- Dennis Pauli, School District of Edgerton
- Tom Ramsden, ECOLAB
- Patrick Weberpal, BMO Harris Bank
Summary
United Way Blackhawk Region (UWBR) fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. Financial and volunteer resources garnered through the workplace Campaign process enable UWBR to accomplish its mission of improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.
Campaign Cabinet members assist in the development of campaign strategies and provide leadership for the implementation and execution of campaign efforts and logistics.
2025 Members
- Chair: Mike O’Brien, O’Brien Betterment
- Amanda Blank, Alliant Energy
- Aron Bussan, First National Bank and Trust Co.
- Kelly Garcia, Cotta Transmission, LLC
- Angie Hommen, Hagen CPA
- Elizabeth Hough, Hedberg Public Library
- Lonnie Klecker, Edward Jones
- Rick Mueller, JAX Custom Printing
- Francisca Reyna, CBI Bank & Trust
- Staff liaison: Michelle M. Adkins, Director of Resource Development
Summary
United Way Blackhawk Region (UWBR) fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. Volunteer resources garnered through the Community Impact process enable UWBR to accomplish its mission of improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.
Through the expertise, energy and relationships of its volunteer driven Community Impact Council (CIC), United Way vows to direct resources to efforts that target the underlying causes of issues that affect our community – and that deliver measurable, long-term results.
The Community Impact Council governs and provides leadership to United Way Blackhawk Region’s investments in the community, sets associated policies, and oversees the volunteer-driven process. Subject matter experts in the impact areas of health, education, and financial stability, board members and other community leaders comprise the Council.
2025 Members
- Chair: Megan Timm, SSM Health
- Inga Cushman, City of Milton
- Patty Schumacher, retired BMO Harris Bank
- Kelly Bedessem, City of Janesville
- Staff liaison: Sue Murray, Community Impact Director
Summary
United Way Blackhawk Region (UWBR) fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. Policies and procedures advised by the Finance Committee enable UWBR to accomplish its mission of improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.
The purpose of UWBR’s Finance Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in meeting their fiduciary responsibilities. The committee is intended to:
- Enhance adequate Board understanding of the organization’s financial position and performance;
- Assist in ensuring agency stewardship, transparency and accountability related to use of resources;
- Help craft Board level policy decisions regarding human resources, facilities and infrastructure.
The Finance Committee is a committee advisory to the Board of Directors. Its area of advisory responsibility is limited to the financial operations of UWBR. The committee shall consist of at least one UWBR board member and not more than five people; appointments will be made on an annual basis; and the Finance Committee Chair is appointed by the UWBR Board Chair.
2025 Members
- Chair: Pat Weberpal, BMO
- Scott Bordwell, First National Bank & Trust Co.
- Scott Fischer, Baker Tilly
- Derek Hahn, Wells Fargo Advisors
- Patty Schumacher, retired BMO
- Ted Wehner, School District of Edgerton