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Governance & Leadership

This Page: Board of Directors | Staff

United Way of Mat-Su Board & Staff

United Way of Mat-Su’s governance structure strengthens the organization’s leadership and accountability. Annually evaluating board and member performance, including ethical standards, is a part of this effort. Board members must possess the following  key attributes: a passion for United Way’s mission and vision, a commitment to invest time as an active member, an ability and desire to take a system-wide perspective and a demonstrated commitment to his/her community. Our Board is now comprised of diverse volunteers who are senior representatives of the largest, most influential donors and sponsors, noted intellectual, civic leaders and other stakeholders.

Board of Directors

Marcie Bentti Loan Servicing Mat Valley Federal Credit Union	President
Kerry Aguirre Marketing & Public Relations Director Mat-Su Regional Medical Center	Secretary
Susan McCauley Director of Education Mat-Su Borough School District	Past-President
Richard K. Payne Partner-Denali Law Group, LLC
Erika Bills Asst. VP, Business Development Officer Northrim Bank	Past-President
Maelynn Pauling Owner Interiors by Mae
Nikki Lee Business Services Consultant Matanuska Telephone Association	President-Elect
John Conn Owner dotConn Productions / Stage 2 Studios LLC
Kathleen Rogge Grants Management Officer Alaska Railroad	Past-President
Pat Purcell Retiree	Treasurer
Bryan Nelson OSP Field Services Manager MTA

Staff

Executive Director: Stephanie Allen

UWMSB Executive Director Stephanie Allen joined the staff in May 2007. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience regarding nonprofit leadership, health promotion program development and implementation, management of budgets and finances as well as building collaborations and partnerships with other organizations throughout the state and local community. She has a Masters degree in Education from Southwest Texas State University where she focused on Physiology and Research and Design. She serves on the Mat-Su Borough's Health & Social Service Board, is on the Operations Board of the Foraker Group, is past President of the Alaska Health Education Consortium and past Chair of Take Heart Alaska’s Worksite Health Promotion Committee. She lives in Palmer with her husband Rick, sons Rhys & Houston and Jack Russell Terrier Otis. 

Community Impact Director: Desiree Compton

Desiree Compton joined United Way staff in early 2010. She has a Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology; she seeks to make research-informed decisions and to promote the use of evidenced-based practices throughout the Mat-Su area. As a graduate student, Desiree was a winner of UAA’s 2009 Student Showcase Program intended to recognize the extraordinary work of students and she also authored/co-authored several academic publications. She has lived in the Mat-Su Valley for over 20 years and is committed to achieving positive community change.

Resource Development Director: Cherie LeBlanc-Shue

Cherie LeBlanc-Shue became a staff member at United Way in the fall of 2009 after retiring from her management position with the Anchorage Daily News. Cherie has an AA Degree in Business and over 30 years of experience in management and marketing. She has lived and worked in the Mat-Su Valley for more than 20 years and is an active volunteer and board member for many community and service organizations including the Valley Performing Arts and Rotary. Cherie is a long time donor to United Way and sees her work at United Way of Mat-Su as another way to contribute to the improvement of her community.