(Blackhawk Region) – United Way Blackhawk Region welcomes three newly elected directors to its volunteer board. The board is responsible for setting policy and providing strategic leadership that aligns with United Way’s mission and meets the standards of United Way Worldwide.
“We are pleased to welcome Kayla Hiller, Leslie Hulick, and Tim Oswald to United Way Blackhawk Region’s Board of Directors,” said Board Chair Tom McCawley. “Each member brings unique skills and expertise to United Way’s fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community. We are grateful to all volunteers who know the value of what it means to live united.”
Kayla K. Hiller
Nowlan & Mouat
Originally from South Dakota, Kayla Hiller grew up in Pierre and attended the University of South Dakota. With a goal of becoming an attorney since middle school, Hiller graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1997. She moved to Janesville upon accepting a position with the Nowlan Law Firm where she has practiced for almost 24 years. Hiller focuses on helping clients with estate planning, real estate, and business matters. She is deeply dedicated to the community, having served on numerous boards and volunteering on behalf of a variety of nonprofit organizations, including the United Way Blackhawk Region Campaign Cabinet. In her spare time, Hiller enjoys cycling, hiking, swimming, travelling with her husband David, and socializing with friends and family.
Leslie Hulick
Blackhawk Community Credit Union
Leslie Hulick is the Vice President of Administration at Blackhawk Community Credit Union (BHCCU). She oversees the Marketing and Human Resources Departments, as well as leading projects and initiatives to benefit BHCCU membership. She joined BHCCU in 2013 after working for the City of Janesville as HR Manager for eight years. Hulick earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2002. She is a proud graduate of the Rock County Leadership Development Academy, is a Certified Public Manager through the University of Wisconsin and has held a Professional in Human Resources certification for 13 years. Hulick’s advocacy for United Way began when she joined BHCCU and over the past several years she has volunteered for the campaign, on community grant review panels and has taken on the role of Day of Caring Volunteer Coordinator. Hulick was born and raised in Milton, and still calls it home today. She lives in the house her grandparents built more than 40 years ago with her husband, Al, and their sons, Grant and Bennett.
Tim Oswald
Fairbanks Morse
Tim Oswald is the Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) for Fairbanks Morse in Beloit. Oswald started his position with Fairbanks in June 2020. Prior to this role, he was the SVP of HR for Springs Window Fashions and spent 11 years with Regal Beloit Corporation where he held a variety of HR Leadership positions, ultimately leading their team as CHRO. Oswald earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin and his MBA from the New York Institute of Technology. He has also spends considerable time volunteering. He has been a youth basketball and baseball coach, former President of Friends of the Riverfront and currently volunteers as an assistant coach for Parkview boys’ basketball. Oswald and his wife Jennifer have three children: Tyler, Trey and Taytum.
“Board member rotation is a best practice, albeit bittersweet to announce the appointment of three new volunteers who are passionate about United Way’s mission and impact, while also having three long-time members successfully complete their terms,” said United Way Blackhawk Region President and CEO Mary Fanning-Penny.
Al Hulick, City Administrator in Milton, completes his second term with the United Way Blackhawk Region Board of Directors, having served the past two years as board chair. Hulick also served as a Campaign Champion in 2017 alongside other local municipal leaders.
Jan Klaehn, School District of Evansville, also completes her second term with United Way Blackhawk Region’s Board of Directors. Since its inception in 2015, Klaehn has served on United Way’s Community Impact Council and continues to do so; she has also volunteered as a community grant review panelist in numerous grant cycles.
Mike O’Brien, retired General Manager for WCLO and WJVL Radio, has been a longtime volunteer with United Way. In addition to his terms on the board, he has served for both the organization’s brand strategy and marketing committee and campaign cabinet. He is also a past recipient of the Geraldine Hedberg Volunteer of the Year Award.
“We thank these outgoing board members for their incredible service while excitedly welcoming three new dedicated members to our board,” Fanning-Penny, added. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations and we are truly grateful for all of our dynamic directors.”
