A familiar name among local social and human services will be the new executive director of the Centre County United Way.
Leanne Lenz will take over the role on July 6 after being appointed by the Centre County United Way Board of Directors during a special meeting.
Since 2017, Lenz has been the executive director of State College-based United Way partner agency Centre Helps, which operates a 24-hour crisis hotline and conducts basic needs case management as well as educational programming and volunteer training.
“This past year, more than ever, the impact of the Centre County United Way has been absolutely critical to the health, education and financial stability of individuals and families here in Centre County,” Lenz said in a statement. “I am honored to serve alongside the many dedicated partnering agencies, volunteers and donors working together to make Centre County a better place to live. I look forward to building on the many strengths of the Centre County United Way in order to meet the evolving needs of our community.”
She was previously a program coordinator at Centre Helps and a community health educator at Penn State.
Under Lenz’s leadership, Centre Helps has increased its fundraising and enhanced its services, according to a news release.
At the United Way, she will succeed Wendy Vinhage, who announced in January that she was leaving the position after about two years because her family is moving to Utah.
Lenz was selected by the Centre County United Way board following a search that drew applicants from throughout Pennsylvania and beyond and a screening process that included input from community stakeholders, according to the release.
“The Board could not be happier with its appointment of Leanne Lenz to serve as the next executive director of Centre County United Way,” David Pribulka, chairman of the Centre County United Way Board of Directors, said in a statement. “Her experience as the head of one of our partner agencies gives her a unique perspective to help make our campaign successful year after year.”
