United Way of Kenosha County CEO Transitions to New Opportunity
KENOSHA, Wis. (Monday, April 20, 2026) – The United Way of Kenosha County (UWKC) announced today that Chief Executive Officer Carolynn Friesch will resign from her position effective Friday, May 15, to pursue a new leadership opportunity in southeastern Wisconsin.
During her tenure, Ms. Friesch made a significant impact both within the organization and throughout Kenosha County. Her leadership helped guide UWKC through a period of growth, innovation, and increased community engagement.
Among the key accomplishments under her stewardship:
- Celebrated 100 Years of Impact with Signature Centennial Initiatives: Spearheaded the organization’s 100th anniversary celebration through impactful initiatives such as the Centennial Jubilee, Legacy of Giving, and 100 Years, 100 Volunteers: A Day of Service. These efforts engaged the community, honored long-standing supporters, and inspired a new generation of involvement.
- Expanded and Deepened Community Partnerships: Cultivated meaningful partnerships that increased sponsorships, volunteerism, and cross-sector collaboration, thereby enhancing the United Way’s reach and effectiveness across Kenosha County.
- Secured First-Ever Federal Funding: Played a key role in obtaining a Congressionally Directed Spending grant of $200,000 from the U.S. Department of Education, marking the first federal award in UWKC’s history.
- Expanded Visibility and Advanced Brand Repositioning: UWKC increased its visibility throughout the community while advancing United Way Worldwide’s rebranding initiatives locally, strengthening brand consistency, relevance, and recognition.
The UWKC Board of Directors is actively working to secure an interim CEO to support staff, organizational operations, and donors during the leadership transition. Efforts are also underway to begin the search for a permanent successor.
“We cannot thank Carolynn enough for the tremendous impact she has made in our community,” said UWKC Board President Tanya Ruder. “She has gone above and beyond to support the individuals and programs we serve in our community, and we are forever grateful for her service. We wish her great success in her next role and are pleased to know she will remain connected to our community and an avid supporter of UWKC.”
The Board will share further updates regarding interim leadership and the CEO search process as they become available.