She has been a stalwart advocate for the most marginalized members of our community.”
COLIN YAUSIE
Board Chair, United Way Elgin Middlesex
I’m writing to share important news about a leadership transition at United Way Elgin Middlesex (UWEM).
Today, our Board of Directors announced that Kelly Ziegner, President and CEO, will be stepping down from her role effective February 11, 2026. Kelly is moving on from United Way to pursue a new opportunity as Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario.
The Board would like to express our sincere appreciation to Kelly for her leadership, dedication, and the many contributions she has made during her time with the organization.
Kelly has become a respected leader both here in our community and as part of the United Way network nationally and internationally. Her achievements at UWEM include stewarding the unification of two United Ways, co-chairing the Mayor’s Pandemic Social Impact Task Force, evolving UWEM’s funding model, and launching a new county strategy to deepen our impact throughout the entire region we serve.
After serving UWEM in multiple roles, Kelly became CEO in July 2016. Throughout this time, she has been a stalwart advocate for the most marginalized members of our community, and a champion for long-term policy solutions designed to address the root causes of poverty-related issues. While we will miss her, we are pleased that she will continue to provide leadership to a nonprofit organization in our region that shares similar values and goals to United Way’s.
Details on the interim leadership plan and search details will be shared in the new year.
Colin Yausie;
Chair, Board of Directors
United Way Elgin Middlesex
Topics : News
