Hurda brings wealth of experience to our organization
(BLACKHAWK REGION) – United Way Blackhawk Region Board of Directors has announced the selection of Janesville native, Lisa Hurda as the next President & CEO. Lisa will step into the role on October 14.
“Lisa has more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, with great success in strategic fundraising, relationship building and high value donor stewardship,” said Tom McCawley, Co-chair of the Search Committee and Vice Chair of UWBR’s board of directors. “We’re excited for Lisa to take United Way into the next chapter.”
Hurda has served as Director of College Advancement & Foundation at Blackhawk Technical College since 2020. She is a school board commissioner for the Janesville School District and has served on several boards and task forces throughout the Blackhawk Region.
Patty Schumacher, Search Committee Co-Chair said, “After reviewing more than 120 applications and narrowing the candidate field to six semi-finalists, the search committee invested not less than 20 hours in each of the two finalists. Lisa’s experience, community connections and alignment of United Way’s core values will serve the organization and the Blackhawk Region very well.”
Since April 1st, Vice President Denise Peters-Kauihou has served as Acting President & CEO. While Peters-Kauihou elected not to pursue the executive role permanently, she will continue in the role until Hurda’s start date to ensure continuity of operations and trusted leadership for our community.
About Search Committee Co-Chairs
Tom McCawley is Vice Chair of United Way Blackhawk Region’s Board of Directors and a Vice President for Beloit Health System. McCawley serves on the organization’s Executive Committee and was recently presented with United Way’s “Geraldine Hedberg Volunteer of the Year Award.”
Patty Schumacher also serves on United Way’s Board of Directors, the Community Impact Council, a volunteer-driven committee that monitors accountability and measurable outcomes from funded partners, and UWBR’s Finance Committee. Schumacher retired from BMO in 2021 after 42 years in the financial sector.
About United Way Blackhawk Region
United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. 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.
