Baldwin, Lathan to chair United Way campaign

United Way of the Ozarks Inc. announced a banking industry veteran and a school superintendent would lead its 2024-25 community campaign.

Brent Baldwin, executive vice president of Commerce Bank, and Grenita Lathan, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools, are co-chairs for the campaign, according to a news release. The campaign's goal is to raise $2 million by March 31, 2025.

"We're excited and thankful that so many high-caliber leaders are motivated to work on behalf of United Way,” said Brandi VanAntwerp, the nonprofit's president and CEO, in the release. “The more we raise, the more we can do locally to champion children and provide pathways out of poverty.”

Baldwin and Lathan are chairing a community campaign cabinet that comprises the following:
• David Agee, Husch Blackwell LLC
• Kevin Ausburn, SMC Packaging Group
• Andrea Brady, Great Southern Bank
• Justin Butler, UMB Bank
• Denise Fredrick, community volunteer
• Janelle Haik, 417 Magazine
• Bill Hennessey, Mercy
• Sandy Howard, community volunteer
• Christian Lewis, Simmons Bank
• Morey Mechlin, community volunteer
• Stephanie O’Connor, City Utilities of Springfield
• Jason Rader, community volunteer
• Jessica Tankersley, O’Reilly Hospitality Management
• Mark Walker, TransLand

The cabinet started training on July 16 and will meet again Aug. 27, according to the release. The latter date corresponds with United Way's community campaign kickoff event at Farmers Park Pavilion.