Kelly Brenneman, Executive Director
Kelly was named Executive Director effective October 1, 2015, after joining United Way in April 2015 in a newly created position as Director of Resource Development. She has a strong understanding of the organization’s mission and goals as she was the former Executive Director of the American Red Cross, a United Way partner agency, and was a past 2008 United Way Campaign Co-Chair. As Executive Director, Kelly is focused on convening community partners to bring change in the areas of education, financial stability, and health. A 2011 Leadership Knox graduate, Kelly Past President of the Mount Vernon Rotary Club, Past President of Psi Iota Xi Philanthropic Sorority, and a Past President of Soroptomists. Over the years, her community involvement has impacted the work of many local non-profit boards and committees. Kelly resides in Mount Vernon with her husband Charlie and has three married sons who’ve blessed her with 7 amazing grandchildren.
Dee Hoeflich, Office Manager
United Way welcomed Dee Hoeflich as Office Manager in 2017. Dee comes to us from the American Red Cross of Knox County where she worked for 11 years in range of different positions. Dee brings vast office management skills and great customer service expertise to our organization.
Victoria Leach, Administrative Associate
Victoria is brand new to our United Way team, as of January 2023, and she is ecstatic for the opportunity to learn and grow within the organization. Victoria is an Alumni from our very own, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish! After graduating college, Victoria spent 4 years devoting her time to different roles within The Salvation Army. She has a heart for the non-profit world, and even more so, for people. Outside of work, you will either find Victoria at the gym or at home endlessly building forts with her 2-year-old son!
Halle Krajenski, Program Director
Halle joined United Way in 2022. With a passion for supporting people, addressing social needs, and strengthening the community’s growth and vibrancy, she works directly with community members and agency partners who contribute so much to the well-being of Knox County. Halle is a Knox County native and returned to our community after graduating from Wittenberg University in 2013. She has served on the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Board of Directors, New Direction’s Prevention Advisory Committee, in Kiwanis, “Get Healthy Knox County,” KSAAT, Workdev, ROX (Ruling Our Experiences), and the Parent Support Initiative of Knox County as a Triple P Practitioner. Halle enjoys raising her family, pets (especially chickens), and has yet to find a hot sauce that is too spicy.
Walt Lewis, Resource Navigator
Walt joins the United Way in 2022 after retiring from a 33-year career teaching seventh and eighth grade students English and Reading at Mount Vernon Middle School. Originally a Pittsburgh native, Walt brings a variety of work, education, and community experience to United Way. He holds degrees from Geneva College in Pennsylvania, Ohio Wesleyan University, and Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Additionally, he is an active community member throughout the years where he has served on church committees, choirs, and various school related committees. He is a strong advocate for all the great qualities that our community and Knox County has to offer. Walt resides in Mount Vernon with his wife, Nancy a Mount Vernon City Schools retired teacher, and he enjoys biking, hiking, gardening, home remodeling, traveling and Therapy Dog visits with his two Collie dogs, Allie and Tanner. He has a daughter, Emily, who is also a high school Latin teacher. Walt looks forward to helping build a stronger communication network so clients* can more easily navigate the variety of excellent resources Knox County has to offer.