United Way of Porter County (UWPC) is excited to announce Kim Olesker, currently serving as the Regional Director of Early Childhood Initiatives, as its new President/CEO. Olesker will assume her new role on January 4, 2016.
Olesker succeeds 14 1/2 year UWPC CEO Sharon Kish, who will retire at the end of this calendar year. Kish announced her retirement earlier this year.
“I am so honored to have been selected as United Way of Porter County’s new CEO,” commented Olesker. “It has been such a privilege to be a part of United Way for the past several years. Having the opportunity to grow my role and expand the impact I can make on such an amazing organization is exciting. I know Sharon is leaving some large shoes to fill, and I’m looking forward to that challenge!”
United Way underwent a several month long national candidate search and interview process to select the best fit for the CEO position.
“Kim established herself quickly as an exceptional candidate. She will bring tremendous commitment and passion to the position, and we have the utmost confidence in Kim’s capabilities and potential,” commented Todd Wagenblast, Chair of the UWPC Search Committee. “This is a fantastic opportunity to write the next chapter for this organization, which has been so well positioned to continue its mission to lead, unite and inspire our community to improve lives!”
“Serving Porter County for the last 14 years has been such a rewarding experience. I know the future of UWPC is in great hands, and I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Kim as our new CEO. She’s brought a lot of great experience and knowledge to UWPC, and we’re thrilled she’ll be leading the organization into the future,” commented Kish.
Olesker has an undergraduate degree in Journalism from the University of Nebraska, and will complete her Masters degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management in May 2016. Throughout her career, Olesker has compiled an impressive portfolio of experience, including roles as United for Children Regional Director, the VP of Marketing for a production company specializing in pro-social children’s content, Community Representative of the American Cancer Society in LaPorte, St. Joseph, Porter and Lake Counties and the Alpha Xi Delta Director of Housing.
United Way of Porter County leads, unites, and inspires our community to improve lives. United Way invests in 3 core strategies: Education, Financial Stability, and Health. We help nearly 40,000 Porter County residents per year build better lives. For more information, visit www.unitedwaypc.org, www.unitedforchildren.org & www.nwivolunteer.org or call 219-464-3583.