United Way of Lake County Hosts Annual Meeting & 2026 Campaign Kickoff; Invests Over $1.5 Million Into Community

United Way of Lake County Hosts Annual Meeting and 2026 Campaign Kickoff; Invests Over $1.5 Million Into Community

Mentor, OH (May 22, 2026) – United Way of Lake County (UWLC) welcomed community leaders, volunteers, and partners on the morning of June 20, 2026, for its Annual Meeting and 2026–2027 Campaign Kickoff breakfast, sponsored by The Lubrizol Corporation. The event took place at Paradigm on Mentor High School’s campus.

Through partnerships with businesses, donors, and volunteers, United Way of Lake County shared that it invested more than $1.5 million into programs and initiatives that address the community’s most pressing needs. A copy of their annual report can be accessed from uwlc.org/annual-reports-and-campaign-review.

Brandi Haught of KeyBank served as UWLC’s 2025 Campaign Chair, after serving as Board Chair the year prior. UWLC announced that Jim Levine of Express Employment Professionals will serve as their 2026-2027 Campaign Chair.

 

Honoring Impact and Leadership

UWLC recognized several local companies and community partners for their annual sponsorship commitments and early leadership support of the 2026-2027 campaign as this year’s Campaign Pacesetters.

Organizations recognized as 2026 Community Impact Champions include Avery Dennison, Blakely Insurance, Component Repair Technologies, Inc., M.W. Beverage, Inc. and The Kilbourne Family.

Recognized as 2026 Community Impact Leaders are Fredon, Griffin Technology Group, Mentor Nissan, and Lighthouse Advisers.

These annual sponsorship commitments provide critical support for United Way of Lake County’s work to improve lives and strengthen the community through investments in local health, education, and financial stability initiatives. Early leadership support from Campaign Pacesetters helps build momentum for the annual campaign and demonstrates a strong commitment to meeting the needs of Lake County residents.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and leadership demonstrated by our Campaign Pacesetters,” said Dione DeMitro, President & CEO of United Way of Lake County. “Their continued investment in our community helps ensure that local families, children, seniors, and individuals have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.”

 

Awards

Annual awards were presented to the following individuals for their exemplary volunteer service and leadership:

  • Richard “Gus” H. Gehring Award: The late Richard J. Regovich, Lake County Commissioner
  • Matt Logies Ambassador Award: Christine Margalis, Lake County General Health District
  • Power of One Award: Kai Nielsen, Our Future ReUse
  • Woman Leader of the Year: Christine Weber, Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Emerging Leader of the Year: Leslie Radke, Touring and Cruises
  • Legacy Award: The Late Anthony Brzytwa, Community Volunteer

UWLC’s affinity group chairs were also recognized for their service, including Andie Musial PhD of Lakeland Community College, who served as the 2025 Chair of Women United, and Lindsay Defeo of Leolo Hospitality, who served as the 2025 Chair of Emerging Leaders and will continue in the role in 2026.

2025 Outgoing Chairman of the Board Andy Phelps of S&T Bank was recognized for his service, as were outgoing board members Robin Baum, Writer/Editor, Ian Lewis of Little Scholars Early Learning Center, and Danielle Sindelar of University Hospitals.

 

Leading the Way in 2026

2026 Board Officers include:

  • Chairman of the Board: Maria Kula, STERIS
  • First Vice Chair: Terry Kilbourne, Tec. Inc. Engineering & Design
  • Second Vice Chair: Craig Heath, Mentor Public Schools
  • Treasurer: Rick Bumgardner, The Lubrizol Corporation

Serving as 2026 board members are:

  • Sunil Ahuja, PhD, Lakeland Community College
  • Kerry Bliss, Alluvial Private Wealth
  • Josh Bogner, Avery Dennison
  • Patricia Conrad, VISA
  • Lindsay Defeo, Leolo Hospitality
  • Dione DeMitro, United Way of Lake County
  • Michelle Graf, The Lubrizol Corporation
  • Brandi Haught, KeyBank
  • Patrick Mohorcic, Lake Development Authority
  • George Sari, George Sari Professional Services
  • Christopher Skubby, PhD, Retired
  • Joshua Strickland, Dworken & Bernstein Co., LPA
  • Bryan Thomas, Lighthouse Advisers
  • Marwin Walling, Painesville City Local Schools
  • Chief Michael Werner, Eastlake Police Department
  • Kristina Willey, PhD, Griffin Technology Group
  • Therese Zdesar, QualCare, LLC

A Community Transformed by Giving

“When a community chooses compassion, collaboration, and action, lives change,” said DeMitro. “Every safe night of shelter, every child paired with a mentor, every family that finds food during a crisis, and every senior who feels less alone can be traced back to people like those in this room. It happens because businesses choose to invest in their communities, employees choose to give through workplace campaigns, volunteers continue to show up, and community leaders choose partnership over competition. Most importantly, it happens because people still believe that caring for one another matters.”

 

About United Way of Lake County

United we thrive. 

United Way Lake County (UWLC) is a leader in community action. When needs arise, UWLC steps in—connecting people and resources to address their county’s toughest challenges. They listen, respond, and take action to strengthen resilience, improve health, expand youth opportunities, and build financial stability. By filling critical gaps in need among nonprofit programs and mobilizing our community, they work to ensure everyone has the chance to thrive. For more information, please visit uwlc.org. 

#                        #                         #

 

Award Descriptions

Gus Gehring Award

The Gus Gehring Award was established in the year 2000 in tribute to Richard "Gus" H. Gehring, a distinguished member of United Way of Lake County’s board of directors. This award stands as UWLC's premier recognition for exemplary volunteerism and advocacy efforts.

Matt Logies Ambassador Award

United Way of Lake County’s Matt Logies Ambassador Award was established in 2011 in honor and memory of former UWLC board member Matt Logies. This annual award stands to honor those who embody outstanding community service, the foundation upon which UWLC is built.

Power of One Award

United Way of Lake County's Power of One Award winner epitomizes the profound impact that a single individual can make in effecting positive change within our community.

Woman Leader of the Year Award

United Way of Lake County's Woman Leader of the Year Award recognizes the highest standards of female achievement, encapsulating the purpose of Women United and displaying excellence in leadership and accomplishments.

Emerging Leader of the Year Award

United Way of Lake County's Emerging Leader of the Year Award honors a new generation of leaders and celebrates an individual with admirable leadership skills and a commitment to encouraging positive development among Lake County’s youth while fostering tomorrow’s leaders.

Legacy Award

This award honors individuals whose legacy of service, influence, and impact continues to inspire UWLC’s work and community.