Board welcomes two, says thanks to three
(BLACKHAWK REGION) – United Way Blackhawk Region welcomes two 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 Jerry Gabrielatos and Jean Randles,” said 2024 Board Chair Dan Williams. “Business and community leaders join United Way’s Board of Directors to reaffirm their commitment to building strong communities where everyone can thrive.”
Members of United Way Blackhawk Region’s Board of Directors shall serve for a term of three years and are eligible for re-election for an additional term. UWBR recognizes three outgoing members for their dedicated service. “We applaud Scott Fischer, Derek Hahn, and Kayla Hiller, for their meaningful contributions,” Williams added. “As a volunteer-driven organization, we commend all volunteers who give generously of their time and talents to serve the greater good.”
Scott Fischer, Baker Tilly, completed two consecutive terms (six years) on United Way Blackhawk Region’s Board of Directors. Fischer served as Board Treasurer from 2021 through 2023, and his additional commitments include the Executive and Finance Committee(s). Fischer served for many years as part of United Way’s Campaign Cabinet and was voted its Chair in 2016 and continued in that role through 2018.
Derek Hahn, Wells Fargo Advisors, also completed two consecutive terms (six years) having served as board chair in 2022 and 2023. Hahn is also a member of United Way’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society, a member of the Executive and Finance Committee(s) and served as co-champion for the community campaign in 2021 alongside his wife, LaSonda, and dear friends, John, and Becky Wong.
Kayla Hiller, Nowlan Law, completed a three-year term on December 31, 2023. Hiller served as a community grant review panelist in multiple grant cycles and provided legal review of the ‘official rules’ for United Way Blackhawk Region’s inaugural GIVE & WIN Sweepstakes.
“Board member rotation is a best practice, to ensure fresh perspective and diverse representation of our beautiful community,” said United Way Blackhawk Region President and CEO Mary Fanning-Penny. “The strong relationships we build with board members endures beyond term limits. Fortunately, these stellar leaders will remain advocates for United Way for years to come.”
To learn more about United Way Blackhawk Region’s community impact or see all members of its board of directors, visit LiveUnitedBR.org.
About Jerry Gabrielatos
Jerry Gabrielatos is the City Manager in the City of Beloit. Prior to his current role, he served in City Management in Oregon and Minnesota. Gabrielatos began his career in local government as a staffer for members of the Chicago City Council. He holds a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University, and bachelor’s degree from Tulane University.
About Jean Randles
Jean Randles is the Director of Human Resources at SSI Technologies, LLC. Randles joined SSI Technologies in 2015 and previously served as the Executive Director for HealthNet of Rock County. Randles holds a Master’s in Business Administration and Human Resources from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Already an active member of United Way Blackhawk Region’s Campaign Cabinet, Randles has supported United Way in various capacities, for more than 20 years.
About United Way Blackhawk Region
United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. We win by Living United, by forging unlikely partnerships and by finding new solutions to old problems; by mobilizing the best resources; and inspiring individuals to join the fight against a common foe, each community’s most daunting social crises. United Way Blackhawk Region provides community grants and resources to 28 human services programs at 15 nonprofit agencies in Rock County, Wis. and northern Winnebago County, Ill. More information is available at LiveUnitedBR.org.
