ST. CLOUD, MINNESOTA -
After a nationwide search, United Way of Central Minnesota (UWCM) announced today that Stephen Jones has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit organization. Last week the organization's Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve his selection with an anticipated mid-March start date.
An experienced executive leader, Jones served as Superintendent for multiple school districts, including over a decade at Little Falls Community Schools. While there, Jones secured over $1 million in Innovating Funding for Alternative Career Pathways, developed a program that increased 1,200 breakfasts daily, encompassing approximately 80% of the student population, and successfully led a $25 million bond referendum to make updates within the district.
"Stephen is the right leader for United Way. He comes to us after a very successful decade leading the Little Falls school district", said Steve Windfeldt, UWCM Board of Directors Chair and Executive Vice President at Preferred Credit, Inc. (PCI).
"He proved to us that he has a firm understanding of community impact not only in education but health and financial stability, as well as the ability to build relationships with all stakeholders and partners throughout our community."
Following the retirement of Larry Olness as President and CEO last year, UWCM search committee worked with CohenTaylor Executive Search Firm. The extensive search process included identifying, recruiting, and interviewing highly qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds, including nonprofit, business, healthcare and education sectors. The collaborative effort with CohenTaylor will continue through the onboarding process as Jones joins the organization next month.
United Way of Central Minnesota partners with local community partner agencies to support nearly 70 programs that work to achieve at least one of our focus areas to improve the health, education, and financial stability, for every person in Central Minnesota. Learn more at https://www.unitedwayhelps.org/.