The United Way of Henderson County’s board of directors has appointed Kelsi Dunham as interim executive director.
Dunham, who came to the local UW in 2022 as the community impact manager, will replace Melissa Clements, who acted as the local UW’s executive director for nine years.
Dunham in a phone interview with the Hendersonian called the position her “dream job since I was in high school” and even came back to work four weeks early from her maternity leave to take the position.
In addition to Clements leaving, the local UW also recently lost Rhonda Thompson, who was hired as the executive assistant/finance secretary for the Henderson-Henderson County Joint Planning Commission staff. For UW, Thompson had been the office manager.
Dunham said the board plans to hire another person to help in the UW office, but is also investigating what exactly both of the open positions will do.
Dunham said she would like to take on the executive director in a full-time capacity, but said the board may choose to pursue candidates from outside.
In her interim role, Dunham will oversee all day-to-day operations of the organization, managing volunteers and resources to advance United Way’s mission to unite people, businesses, and local organizations that have a positive impact on the Henderson community, said a release from United Way.
A native of Henderson, Dunham has been an active member of the community for many years, said the release. She holds a double major in business administration and communications and media studies, as well as a minor in health care administration from Georgetown College. She has a master’s degree in nonprofit development from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
“I am honored to step into the role of Interim Executive Director and excited to continue this important work,” Dunham said in the release. “We have made significant strides in improving lives and fostering a supportive community. I am committed to building on this progress, ensuring that Henderson remains a welcoming place where all individuals can thrive—working, living, and playing together. Together, we will drive our vision forward and make an even greater impact in the lives of those we serve.”
“Kelsi has been instrumental to United Way’s success in this community since she joined the team in 2022,” said UW Board Chair Charissa O’Daniel in the release. “The Board of Directors is confident that her experience and local knowledge will serve the organization well as we navigate a period of transition.”
