BANGOR, ME – United Way of Eastern Maine (UWEM), is pleased to announce new appointments to volunteer and staff leadership that support efforts to raise critical funds to meet basic needs, support early childhood development and reduce substance use disorder. The 2020 Annual Campaign is underway and kicked off on October 1st with an impressive challenge match which raised $50,000 toward the campaign goal of $1.5 Million.
UWEM is pleased to announce Jen and Bob Montgomery-Rice have joined the organization as the 2020 Campaign Chairs. Jen’s lifelong work as a teacher and business owner, her experience growing up in Waldo County and volunteer work with Literacy Volunteers and the Bangor YMCA, has enabled her to see first-hand how UWEM’s funding can change lives and support crucial organizations. Bob’s CEO position at Bangor Savings Bank has given him a window into the lives of many people in the Eastern Maine area, and his bank’s leadership on United Way donations comes from a culture of giving back and caring about the community.
Jen, a current member of the UWEM board and Bob, past member of the UWEM board, have been long time donors to United Way “Our family has seen many of the benefits that funding from United Way has given to area agencies. United Way helps the community by connecting resources to the people who need them most. This past year we have been particularly impressed as United Way sprang into action in response to the COVID-19 pandemic raising almost $300,000 and distributing 120 grants in just a few short months to support community needs arising from this crisis. The United Way is built for this, responding to community needs in real time. United Way is needed more than ever and this is why we are driven to lead the 2020 campaign to success.”
United Way of Eastern Maine is also announcing three new staff appointments that support a transformational shift to enhance the donor experience while achieving community results. Shirar Patterson, President & CEO shares “As an organization with a long-respected history it is our responsibility to continuously evolve and improve to meet the needs of the community and our donors. This shift will allow us to more fully embrace new technology and strategies to drive growth and impact over the long term. We are thrilled with the caliber of experience, knowledge and leadership these appointments bring to round out UWEM’s vision for the future.”
Jesse Moriarity, has been promoted to Chief Operating & Experience Officer (CXO). Moriarity has been with United Way of Eastern Maine (UWEM) since 2015 first as Vice President, Resource Development and Communications, later promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2018. She brings a breadth of experience and talent to the work of UWEM, particularly in the fields of Resource Development, Innovation and Technology. As CXO, Moriarity will lead UWEM to deliver a best-in-class donor experience to fuel growth and community impact.
Joseph Roberts has been appointed Chief Development Officer (CDO). As CDO, Roberts leads UWEM’s workplace campaigns, individual donor relations and overall resource development efforts. Joe comes to the United Way with a track record of experience in marketing and resource development. He most recently served the Maine Central Institute Advancement Office. Prior to that, he was a long tenured member of the University of Maine Athletic Department with progressive leadership responsibilities in sports information, marketing and development.
Matthew Donahue has been appointed as Chief Impact Officer (CIO). Donahue leads the organization’s grantmaking, programmatic initiatives and overall community impact efforts. Donahue brings an array of corporate, nonprofit and community involvement to this role. He most recently served as the Director of Client Services for UniversityTickets/AudienceView. Prior to that as the Program Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine where he was responsible for building and developing relationships in the organization’s expansion to Penobscot County.