Ross County, Ohio— United Way of Ross County, one of the area’s leading non-profit organizations, announced that its Board of Directors had selected Rick W. Smith, Sr. as the organization’s new President and CEO. Smith assumed the role on December 16, 2019. The announcement follows an extensive search undertaken after the departure of previous CEO Kelli Yeager-Nelson. Cathy Whalen, who led the United Way of Ross County previously, agreed to come back to provide interim leadership until the new President was hired. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we wish to thank Cathy for her leadership during this crucial period. She has been a phenomenal asset to the organization and the community,” said S. Kim Jones, chairperson, United Way of Ross County Board of Directors. Jones adds, “We are extremely proud and excited to have found a new President and CEO with the leadership experience, education, and passion that Rick brings to us. The President and CEO not only leads the agency’s fundraising efforts and day-to-day functions but is also a leader in the community. Rick is a seasoned leader, and we are confident that he will help us to build on United Way's historical successes in our community and take us to new heights of fundraising in service to our mission.”
Rick is a former television news journalist and hospital administrator, having served in healthcare for more than 20 years, leading in the areas of marketing, public relations, fundraising, human resources, operations, and business development. Having also worked in higher education for nearly five years, Rick most recently served as the Senior Vice President of Advancement and Chief Development Officer for the Kentucky College of Art and Design in Louisville, Kentucky. A long-time Rotarian, he also sits on several boards including, the Kentucky Derby Festival, Leadership Louisville, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc, and the NAACP of Louisville. "To say I am excited about the opportunity to lead this great organization would be an understatement," said Smith. "I have been involved in some capacity with the United Way for more than 25 years, having served on several United Way boards during my career. I am passionate about the mission of the organization and its service to the community. We are actively in a campaign right now to raise $625,000. Together, I know we can do it. I will be very vigorously involved in Ross County, and I look forward to meeting the residents of the community and joining them in service.”