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The United Way of Howard and Tipton Counties is back. It has a new leader. It’s planning a funding campaign. And it is ready to serve the community and its needs.
The local organization recently named Dana Neer, PhD., as its new executive director. The appointment comes after nearly a year of reorganization under interim leadership, during which time a number of issues were tackled in an effort to bring the United Way back to a healthy status.
Neer explained that the executive director’s position is one particularly well-suited for his skills.
“I've always loved United Way,” said Neer. “I've always been a contributor, no matter where I was working, and I believe in the mission. So, when I heard the position was open, I was intrigued. I think I do have the gifts and abilities and the passion. I love our community here in Kokomo, Howard County, Tipton County, and believe that I could provide some leadership for the agency at this time. I'm just glad that they thought that I was the right person for the position.”
Neer grew up near Nappanee, Ind., where his mother, father, and extended family were very active in the community and their church. They often hosted missionaries and social entrepreneurs who shared their stories and sparked a love of service into his life.
Neer has served for the past 15 years at Culver Academies. He also serves as a corporate chaplain, director of an orphanage, and serves as board member of the Culver Youth Club, Saint Joseph Hospital, Hand in Hand International Adoptions, and Shade House Orphanage. Locally he serves on the Haynes-Apperson Festival board, We Care auction, Guardians of the Wildcat, and has written a guest column for the Kokomo Tribune.
Neer also coached cross country/track and field for 37 years. He is an avid runner who completed his 100,000th lifetime mile in May 2022, and loves to kayak in any body of water he can find, especially rivers. He has authored a children's book and is completing his second book soon. He is a lifelong learner and has a PhD in Human Rights Law.
“I am humbled and excited to serve as president and CEO of United Way Howard/Tipton Counties,” said Neer. “We have a lot of work to accomplish, all under the guidance of one very important principle: Accomplish our mission by being connected and focused on the love and care for people.”
United Way of Howard and Tipton Counties executive board president Kaleb Hollingsworth is excited to have Neer on board to lead the organization.
“We had an excellent search process for our next CEO, and Dana just rose to the top of the list,” said Hollingsworth. “He possesses excellent character and has an extensive track record of volunteerism, community service, and success. I was really struck by his compassion for the people of Kokomo, Howard County, and Tipton County.
“With Dana at the head of our United Way, I am certain that we will be able to resume our position as a vital resource for our local nonprofits and the larger community.”
The local United Way is emerging from a challenging time in its history. COVID hit. Donations fell. Leadership changed. There was a point last year when allocations to the United Way’s member agencies were suspended. There was a lot to clean up and set right. Neer asserted that the nonprofit is back on its feet again.
“We have come through a low point, and COVID did not help,” said Neer. “But today we are growing; we are healthy. We have a staff that is vibrant and loves what they're doing. We have a good board. We're excited about what we're all going to bring together.
“We've had many meetings over the last several weeks, and we have plans. We have a vision. We want to serve this community, and we're going to make it happen. We want people to believe in that. We need to rebuild trust. We know that, and in the next six months, people are going to see that. In the next year or two, it will be very evident.”
One of the first things people in the community will see is the United Way’s annual fundraising campaign. Neer confirmed that a campaign will take place yet this year, and loaned associates and United Way staff will be visiting employers and individuals seeking aid.
“We're going to have a campaign this fall,” said Neer. “We have a campaign chairman, Paul Wyman. We have our team on board. We will have our campaign kick off on November 15 at the Bel Air Events Center from 5:30-7:00 pm. We're meeting with businesses, schools and area agencies. It's going to happen, and we're very excited about that. It's about loving people and caring for people and their needs, and how we can take care of the needs of our community. That motivates us.”
“We have just an outstanding team assembled to get the funding campaign started,” said Wyman. “I have complete trust in Dana Neer and the United Way board. I have that same trust in the men and women of this community. Together, we are going to do great things, and it all starts in just a few weeks.”
Hand-in-hand with the funding campaign will be an effort to re-engage with the community. United Way wants to reestablish a relationship and has plenty of ways people can be a part of this rebirth.
We have a lot of opportunities to share,” said Neer. “We will have lists of things that people can do to volunteer, and ways to get involved financially. And we also have opportunities for groups and families to create new traditions of giving and helping, especially during the holidays. We're looking forward to having families, churches, groups of friends who want to serve together collectively, to be able to serve with United Way with time and resources.”
For those seeking more information about United Way, its mission, and its upcoming plans, or to connect with ways to give or volunteer, call 765-457-4357 or email Neer at dneer@unitedwayhoco.org.