News Brief - January 27, 2000

KeyBank's Alphonso Steps Up to Top United Way Position
Momchilov Takes Great Job Opportunity

United Way's Chairman of the Board Tom Momchilov recently accepted a position as Senior Vice President of Human Resources with Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His last official duties with United Way took place at the December Board meeting.

United Way President Craig Chancellor admits the announcement is bitter-sweet. "During his many years as a volunteer with our United Way, Tom provided much guidance and significant contributions to the changes we have put in place. His expertise and leadership will be greatly missed," said Chancellor.

First Vice President of the Board of Directors, KeyBank President Mervyn Alphonso, will now take the United Way reigns.

"Tom set a great example as Chair of the Board and his presence will be missed," said Alphonso. "He has made my transition to Chair smooth. Though it's a bit sooner than I expected, I am thrilled to lead the organization into the new Millennium."

United Way Backs Issue 17

At its January meeting, the United Way Board of Directors officially endorsed the Montgomery County Human Service Levy, which is on the March 7, 2000 ballot.

The levy is a 5.03 mill renewal that will not increase taxes.

Though United Way does not receive funds from the levy they are extremely supportive of its passage. Office space in the United Way building has been donated to house the Levy office. Also donated are United Way staff members who are heading various committees working to pass the levy.

The passage of the levy will ensure the continuation of vital programs in the community. Many of the programs benefiting from levy money function in conjunction with United Way programs to produce the greatest amount of help in the community.

It is a philosophy at United Way that to ensure a healthy community, we must tackle the area's challenges with a multi-faceted approach. Please get out and vote for the 2000 Human Service Levy on March 7.

United Way Advocacy Becomes Hot Topic

The role of United Way in the community will be the topic of discussion at special half-day session on February 3.

Responses from the 1998 United Way Partner Survey indicated a significant movement in the perception of how involved United Way is versus how involved United Way should be.

Many of the respondents felt United Way should be more involved in advocacy than it currently is. The Kettering Foundation's Estus Smith, Ph.D. will be the meeting's facilitator. The meeting will be held in the General Motors Room in the United Way building from 8 a.m. to noon. If you would like to attend, please contact Carla Johnson at 225-3089.