LUDINGTON & MANISTEE, MI — The United Way of Manistee County and the United Way of Mason County announce plans to merge into a single organization this summer. This news follows the recent retirement announcement of Corey Van Fleet, United Way of Manistee County’s longtime executive director. The decision to merge will not impact any programming or fundraising efforts in each county.

For nearly a year, the leaders of both organizations have engaged in discussions about strengthening their regional collaboration while maintaining county-specific programming and fundraising efforts. Both boards determined that combining forces would enable a combined organization to serve each county better, reduce expenses, and increase operational efficiencies, while mobilizing each county to take action so that all can thrive.  

Although backroom operations will be combined, all funds raised in each county will remain in that county.  The board is reviewing enhanced programming in each county.

“This can best be achieved through creative partnership, funding local programs and initiatives, and providing programs and services in our respective communities,” said Jeremy Vronko, Chairperson of the United Way of Mason County.

Mason County Executive Director Lynne Russell will lead the new entity, while a new governing board will be comprised of current directors from Mason and Manistee counties. The legal documentation for the merger is being reviewed by the state Attorney General's office as well as the state’s Licensing and Regulatory Affairs department. Until the merger is finalized, each entity will continue to operate under its current name. Once that approval is confirmed, the combined entity will operate as the United Way of Mason County; however, officials have submitted new names to United Way Worldwide for formal consideration. The new name will be more reflective of the larger regional service area.

Although the May 7 retirement of Van Fleet expedited conversations, the two organizations have shared resources for some time, most notably with Mason supplying accounting staff to Manistee County since last summer.

“Leaders of both organizations concluded that combining all entities into one organization is the most appropriate way to continue impacting the communities we serve,” said Lynne Russell, executive director of United Way of Mason County. “This plan will reduce costs, increase operational service efficiency, and positively impact Manistee and Mason counties.”

“We remain confident that this approach will further our mission of investing in solutions that achieve positive outcomes for addressing complex social issues and creating lasting change,” said Amy Wojciechowski, Chairperson of the United Way of Manistee County.

“The journey to reach this decision was well thought out and mindful of the greater impact United Way can have in our respective counties if we join forces,” added Vronko.

A formal announcement of the new name for the combined entity will be made as soon as it is approved.