New Executive Director Named

It is with great excitement that United Way of Northwest Michigan welcomes Ranae McCauley as its new Executive Director.  Ranae comes to the organization from the Michigan State University Extension program, where she was previously the Coordinator of the Community Collaboratives in Antrim and Kalkaska Counties. 

“We are so excited to be able to obtain someone as qualified and respected in the community as Ranae McCauley.” said local United Way Board President Matt Classens.  “Ranae’s dedication to helping those in need is exemplary.  As a former citizen of the Year in Kalkaska County and as the 2012 Traverse Area Athena award winner, she epitomizes what ‘Living United’ is all about.”  

McCauley has spent the past 17 years working at the MSU Extension on collaborative efforts in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Kalkaska Counties.  She is active in many regional projects including housing matters, the local 211 call in center, child advocacy and farm to school programs.  She is a founding member of the local Poverty Reduction Initiative, and current Vice-President of the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District Board.   

“I look forward to working with agencies to improve the quality of life in our region.   We are blessed to have an amazing network of donors and organizations dedicated to making a positive impact for our most fragile and vulnerable citizens.” Ranae McCauley.

Ranae was selected out of over 40 candidates who applied for the position.  The search team conducted six initial interviews, and conducted a final round interview with the finalist.  It is anticipated that she will assume her new role on or around August 19, 2013.      

Please join us in welcoming Ranae McCauley to United Way of Northwest Michigan.