Editor's note: Monday Profiles are published on the first Monday of each month.
SHAMOKIN - The new executive director of the Lower Anthracite Region United Way (LARUW) is young and energetic, and said she hopes to use her communication skills in helping the local chapter build a larger volunteer base.
Whitney Fetterman, 24, of Coal Township, who was hired in October to succeed Erik Beagle of Danville, graduated in 2010 from Millersville University with a degree in speech communication. She previously worked for Northumberland County Housing Authority.
"My goals are to build a bigger volunteer base, plan more activities for the organization in conjunction with the goals of the United Way, and get more involved with the community and groups we serve," said Fetterman, a 2006 graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School.
Focus on fund drive
Through corporate and private donations, Fetterman said the Lower Anthracite Region United Way supports and funds nonprofit local organizations, including Central Susquehanna Opportunities (CSO) Inc., Central Susquehanna Sight Services, American Red Cross, Northumberland County ARC, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Visiting Nurse Association, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America and Manna for the Many.
She said the primary goals of United Way are to help children and youth achieve their potential through education, help families become financially stable and independent, and improve people's health.
Fetterman, who works closely with the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, noted United Way's slogan is "Give. Advocate. Volunteer. Live united."
"I consider myself a people person who enjoys helping others, and I'm confident my background in the communication field will be a big help in this new position," she said.
One of her primary duties is coordinating the annual LARUW fund drive, which currently has generated approximately $41,000 in corporate and private donations. The goal of this year's drive is $50,000. Last year's campaign raised $53,000.
"Whitney was hired because of her strong communication skills, and she has used those skills right out of the gate," said Henry H. Nyce, LARUW chairman and publisher of The News-Item. "I feel confident that we will reach our goal this year, mainly because of the giving nature to help others in our area and the skills and energy Whitney brings to get that message out to the public and local businesses."
Other duties
In addition to her part-time position with United Way, Fetterman works as a part-time case manager with CSO.
"I'm impressed with Whitney's background. She has a lot of marketing skills and she will be a great asset for the United Way," said Gale Zalar, community action director for CSO and a United Way board member.
Sandy Winhofer, executive director of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and vice president of the local United Way chapter, said, "We are very happy to have Whitney as our new director. Her background in speech communication will be very beneficial to the United Way and we're confident she will help raise more funds for the organization."
Fetterman, who was a member of Alpha XI Delta Sorority in college, belongs to the YMCA in Sunbury and enjoys "hanging out" with her friends and family. She is a daughter of Craig and Jean Fetterman, Coal Township.
Fetterman's new office is located on the second floor of the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center, 2 E. Arch St. Her office hours are 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. She can be reached at 644-1894 or laruw@verizon.net.
Name: Whitney Fetterman.
Age: 24.
Job: Executive director of Lower Anthracite Region United Way.
Educationn: Graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School and Millersville University.