The 2025 annual meeting celebrated the United Way of Chautauqua County’s transformation over the past year as well as a voting session to elect new and returning board members.

“This past year proved what’s possible when we bring people together around a shared vision for impact,” said Amy Rohler, United Way of Chautauqua County executive director. “The merger wasn’t just a structural change – it was a community commitment to do more, reach further, and serve smarter. And that means every dollar goes further and every program has deeper reach. This past year has been proof of concept that we are stronger together.”

In the past year, United Way programs impacted the lives of local individuals 52,213 times. Having recently completed its 2025-2027 funding cycle, the organization now supports 46 local programs administered by 38 community agencies, underscoring its role as a catalyst and connector for the region.

In attendance at the meeting Wednesday were Andrew and Lisa Goodell, who will serve as campaign co-chairs for the 2025 fundraising campaign kicking off in September. They follow last year’s Campaign Co-Chairs Kelly Borrello and Bill Soffel, who led United Way of Chautauqua County’s first combined countywide campaign in 2024 – which saw strong support from the community. In total, 3,069 donors contributed to the 2024 campaign, a 10% increase over the previous year. Among them were 527 new donors, a momentum which United Way staff intend to continue this year.

Executive Director Rohler spoke about the impact which the organization has made locally in the last year. During the meeting,

For more about United Way’s recent accomplishments and impact, download the 2024-2025 UWCHQ Annual Report – which was released Wednesday at the annual meeting – by visiting www.UnitedWayCHQ.org.

The 2025 UWCHQ Annual Meeting included a review of financials, acknowledgment of outgoing board members, and the election of new and returning leadership:

– Outgoing board members Luis Castro, Andrew Faulkner, David Lockwood, Matt Newman, Bonnie Peters, Heather Turner, David Winchell, and outgoing past president Joelle Washer were recognized for their service.

– Board members Kathy Burch, Mike Roberts, Jacob Sam, and Don Williams were re-elected to continue their board service.

– Kelly Borrello and Wayne Rishell joined the board as newly-elected members.

Kathy Burch was elected President of the UWCHQ Board of Directors.

– The 2025-2026 slate of officers elected at the meeting were: Kathy Burch, president, replacing Christine Tarbrake, past president; Wayne Rishell, vice president; Kelly Dimitri, treasurer; and Lucas Catalano, secretary.