Local United Way director leading state association Erin Shay named United Ways of Minnesota Board President

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) Executive Director Erin Shay is now the leader of the statewide association, United Ways of Minnesota, in addition to heading the local organization.

Most recently, United Ways statewide collaborated with United for ALICE through the association to release the “ALICE in Minnesota: A Study of Financial Hardship” report.  Shay has served on the United Ways of Minnesota board since 2022.

The association has one staff person; the board of directors addresses executive and legislative affairs, training, and identifies shared communication opportunities across the state.

As association board president, Shay hopes to find opportunities for United Ways across the state to work together to stabilize ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households.

The Littlefork-Big Falls MN Honor Society Members are fundraising for the United Way’s Buddy Backpack program at their school.

Feel free to help them raise money and make a family’s Easter egg hunt a breeze with the LBF MHS members doing the work for you!

UWNEMN Board President LaTisha Gietzen said this appointment exemplifies what an asset Shay is to our region and state.

Since 1966, the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) has worked to serve the needs of individuals and families on the Iron Range (Northern St. Louis County and Eastern Itasca County), Koochiching County, and Lake of the Woods County. The organization’s mission is to unite and focus our communities in creating measurable results to improve people’s lives and strengthen our families. For more information, visit www.unitedwaynemn.org.