United Way names new CEO

The United Way of the Ozarks named Debi Meeds its new president and CEO.

Effective Sept. 22, Meed succeeds the retiring Jennifer Kennally, who worked for the organization since May 2008.

"We had a group of very qualified individuals who expressed interest in this position. But in the end, Debi brought to the table the characteristics, strengths and skill sets that we felt were the best fit for United Way moving forward from this point," said Paul Williams, Springfield Police Chief and executive search committee chairman, in a news release.

Meed previously served as CEO of Springfield's American Red Cross Southern Region and has more than 23 years of organizational leadership through a variety of positions within the organization.

During her time at the Red Cross, Meeds led a regional consolidation effort that began with 14 counties, and now includes 40 Missouri counties, and led the disaster efforts immediately following the Joplin tornado, according to the release.
 
At the United Way, Meeds will work with and help fund more than 45 programs and 15 community initiatives that address critical health and human service needs focused on eliminating critical red-flag issues in 14 southwest Missouri counties. Meeds beat out one other finalist to grab the job.

Retiring Aug. 27, Kennally plans to stay active in the nonprofit community through her board work for the Ozarks Technical Community College Board of Trustees, the Mercy Health Foundation and Springfield Art Museum.[[In-content Ad]]