WHEELING — After five years of service and dedication to the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley, executive director Jeff Knierim has announced his resignation.
Knierim made his announcement during the November meeting of the United Way Board of Directors. He said the decision was made to allow him to pursue other opportunities. Knierim will remain with the organization until another individual is named to the position.
“Until a successor is named, I will continue to advise the United Way in order to bring the current campaign to a successful completion,” Knierim said.
The United Way is a non-profit organization. Its focus is to identify and resolve pressing community issues, as well as making measurable changes in the communities through partnerships with schools, government agencies, businesses, organized labor, financial institutions, community development corporations, voluntary and neighborhood associations, the faith community, and others.
“Jeff’s leadership has positioned the United Way as a means for positive change in the community,” said Dale Knutsen, president of the United Way Board of Directors. “His enthusiasm and concern for the agencies and clients served by the United Way have been unwavering. We have been most fortunate to have worked with him, and he will be missed.”
A Wheeling native, Knierim holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He joined the United Way on July 1, 2002, after serving as president and general manager of Cooey-Bentz Company, a long-standing home furnishings store in South Wheeling which closed in June of that year. His career with Cooey-Bentz began in 1972.
“It has been a real privilege to be involved with the United Way and working with all of our staff, supporters, donors, wonderful volunteers and the board of directors – it was a great experience for me in helping the community to be a better place,” Knierim said. “I’m just thankful I had a part in helping the United Way staff and its member agencies improve the lives of others in our community.”
