United Way names next CEO

The United Way of North Central Iowa (UWNCI) has named Jen Arends as its next CEO.  Ms. Arends, who has served as Community Impact Director for United Way of North Central Iowa since 2015, took the helm of United Way’s operations, July 1.
The local United Way began a nationwide search for a new CEO in May after Jodee O’Brien announced she would be leaving the position to fulfill a CEO position at the United Way of Williamson County.
“I am excited and honored to be starting this new chapter as CEO of United Way of North Central Iowa,” stated Arends, “I look forward to continuing the work of the United Way of North Central Iowa and to continue to raise much needed funds for our partner agencies, which provide life changing programs and services to the citizens of north central Iowa.”
Ms. Arends has a long history of nonprofit service in the north Iowa region.  She is an active member of the Mason City Sunrise Rotary and has worked for government and nonprofits since graduating with her Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Northern Iowa in 2013.  Originally from Clear Lake, Ms. Arends resides in Mason City with her husband, Cale.