Lenz Stepping Down as Centre County United Way Executive Director

Centre County United Way is searching for a new executive director.

Leanne Lenz, who has held the position for just over a year, is leaving the organization effective Oct. 7 to join the Student Care and Advocacy Office at Penn State, CCUW Board Chair David Gaines said in a news release on Monday.

“We wish Leanne well in her new role and thank her for her leadership over the past 12 months,” Gaines said. “CCUW has a dedicated team of staff, board, partner agencies, and volunteers who remain focused on the mission of providing access to health, education, and financial security to everyone in Centre County. We are excited to build on the momentum we have for our 2022 Campaign and confident that our donors will support our efforts.”

The board will immediately begin a search for a new executive director.

“Our priority is to find a dynamic leader with a true passion for our mission and the ability to build on the success that Ms. Lenz achieved in this position,” CCUW Board Vice Chair Craig Rose said.

CCUW recently kicked off its 2022 campaign with a fundraising goal of $2.2 million.

Lenz expressed appreciation to the CCUW board, staff, volunteers and community and said she would continue to work to support the organization.

“The 2022 campaign is off to a strong start and I look forward to continuing to serve as a volunteer and champion for the CCUW through my role at Penn State,” Lenz said.

She will stay on through two major upcoming events. The Penn State IT United Way Golf Tournament, which raised $64,000 last year, tees off on Sept. 12, and the annual Day of Caring, which in 2021 saw 1,316 volunteers completing 47 community improvement projects, takes place on Oct. 6.

Plans are already in the works to expand another key CCUW fundraiser, the annual Taste of the Town, which is scheduled for Dec. 15 at the Bryce Jordan Center, moving from its previous location at the Penn Stater.

“All those events are examples of the momentum and quality Leanne has infused in the Centre County United Way,” Gaines said. “We’re excited about keeping that momentum going as we strive toward our vital goal of raising $2.2 million in 2022.”