Thanks to Our Three Retiring Board Members
Tuesday December 20th, 2011
In December, three long-time United Way of Elgin board members will reach the end of their 
terms, having served a combined total of over 40 years. We’d like to take a moment to recognize their accomplishments and thank them again for their dedication and service.
Leo Nelson joined the board in 1991. His first big assignment was Campaign Chair in 1993. He then served as board chair in 1997. Outside of the board room, Leo used his skills to develop new relationships for United Way and helped bring in many new friends. He has worked for the Elgin Chamber of Commerce for the past 11 years; however, Leo has decided to retire but has agreed to stay on part-time with the organization to work in economic development. "Now that I'm 77 years old, I plan to take more time for myself, my wife, and our grandchildren," said Nelson.
Bob Malm joined the board in 1998. During his tenure, Bob was active on many committees, including the Executive Committee and Chairing both the Resource Development and Governance Committees. Bob is well known for his commitment to United Way and his willingness to share his "testimony" with others about the importance of United Way’s work. As Bob puts it, “my involvement with United Way has been very meaningful and gratifying—helping individuals and building a stronger community. United Way lives and breathes its mission statement of Building Community, Improving Lives, and Making Every Contribution Count.” Bob is proud to have been a United Way board member because “United Way identifies critical community needs and helps fund basic human 'safety net' services. They have taken the lead in dealing with pressing issues like family financial stability, spearheading programs such as the nationally recognized 1000 Worker Skills Initiative.” Bob himself was instrumental in bringing this program to the Elgin area by fostering partnerships with several local organizations. We will miss his ability to pull together multiple partners to work toward common goals and his positive outlook on the future of our community.
Karen Fox joined the board in 2003 after previously serving on allocation panels. Karen is not only retiring from the United Way board, but she also will retire from School District U-46 in June after 35 years in education, including 17 spent in U-46. Karen has been a very active member of the board, serving on several committees including the Vision Council, the Resource Development Committee, and the Executive Committee. She also co-chaired the annual campaign for two years. She notes that during her years working with United Way initiatives, she has seen an increase in collaboration among members of the board, the partner agencies, and the projects funded. The transition to the impact model was a significant change in the “way we do business” but has resulted in the United Way of Elgin becoming a more focused and strategic organization. She says, “Today, the United Way board and volunteers serving on the three impact councils are much better informed about the work being done in our community. United Way continues to support those serving our neighbors most in need while honoring the donors’ desire to fund the most critical initiatives for our residents.”
Thank you to Leo, Bob, and Karen for all you’ve done for United Way of Elgin! The board will miss you.
