| Leadership Transition Underway at United Way of the Midlands | | Print | |
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CEO Michael McLarney to Retire - Karen Bricklemyer to Assume Omaha CEO Post The United Way of the Midlands Board of Directors has appointed a new President and Chief Executive Officer to succeed Michael J. McLarney, who will retire at the end of March.
CEO Search Committee Chair Terry Kroeger calls Bricklemyer an innovative leader who understands the need for United Way to be a catalyst for community changes. "Karen has strong experience in children’s issues and education, two things that are a priority here in the midlands. She is a proven fundraiser and knows how to build strong coalitions that help people become independent and productive members of our neighborhoods. Her skills and leadership will have a measurable impact on the quality of life for all who live here." Kroeger is president and publisher of the Omaha World-Herald; he will become UWM Board Chair in late March. The search committee included a mixture of current and past United Way chairs, business leaders and community leaders. A complete listing of the search committee members is attached. Bricklemyer will share her vision for the local United Way’s future at its annual meeting and awards luncheon on March 31, 2011. - - - - - -
"Mike is passionate about providing donors, volunteers, agencies, and our neighbors-in-need the most effective human services network possible," said Rex Fisher, current Chairman of the United Way of the Midlands Board. "United Way has provided valuable resources on many local issues of critical importance, and Mike was always there with his sleeves rolled up, ready to go. The foundation and success that has been built by Mike and the staff, along with Karen’s vision, will position United Way of the Midlands for even greater community impact in the future," said Fisher.
United Way of the Midlands, its donors and volunteers advance the common good of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area by providing our neighbors life-changing opportunities in education, financial stability and health. UWM celebrates 88 years of service in 2011.
# # # UNITED WAY OF THE MIDLANDS – CEO SEARCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS Dan Neary, Chairman and CEO of Mutual of Omaha Companies, Past Campaign Chair for United Way of the Midlands Diny Landen, President of Vantage Communications, Past Board Chair and 2011 Campaign Chair for United Way of the Midlands Jamie Gutierrez, CEO of Midwest Maintenance Company, Community Leader and Past Board Member of United Way of the Midlands John P. Nelson, Chairman of SilverStone Group, member of UWM Foundation Board and Past Campaign Chair for United Way of the Midlands Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein, Executive Director of the Peter Kiewit Foundation Rex Fisher, President of Qwest Communications Nebraska, Current Board Chair and Past Campaign Chair for United Way of the Midlands Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM, President of the College of Saint Mary and Community Leader Terry Moore, President of the Omaha Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO and Current Board Member of United Way of the Midlands Gary Gates, CEO of Omaha Public Power District, Past Board Chair and Campaign Chair for United Way of the Midlands Terry Kroeger, CEO of Omaha World-Herald Company and Current Vice Chair for United Way of the Midlands |
Karen Bricklemyer was selected through a national search. She has worked in the United Way system for 13 years, most recently serving as President and CEO of United Way of North Central Florida in Gainesville. Among her achievements there, Bricklemyer developed and implemented a network of research-based programs that targeted the barriers to school readiness through home visitation and teaching, parenting support, a mobile health van and food drives for children. She directed a grant from the Buffett Early Childhood Fund that energized Gainesville’s business sector in the advocacy of "early learning" opportunities for young children. Bricklemyer was appointed regional lead in Florida’s children’s initiative, and she chaired two county-wide efforts focused on children’s issues and poverty reduction. Campaign revenue increased 32% over five years under her direction.
Michael McLarney has served United Way of the Midlands (UWM) since February 1973; he was appointed CEO in 1989. He advanced the science of local human service by bringing "outcomes measurement" to the metro area. United Way and its partner agencies now track funded programs on the measurable changes they make on the lives of those who use them, leading to greater community-wide impact. McLarney and United Way provided critical start-up support for the Neighborhood Center of Greater Omaha and the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands. He championed the 2-1-1 information and referral call center and provided direction that led to statewide coverage in 2010. UWM ranks among the top ten United Ways for donor retention.
