United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties Executive Director Kerstin Rust has resigned from her role as of April 28, a role she has held for the past three-and-a-half years.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve our community and collaborate with dedicated volunteers from across Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. This decision was not easy. However, after careful consideration, I have chosen to step back and focus on raising my one-year-old daughter,” Rust said in a release.
“United Way serves in a unique and powerful role within our communities. The past three-and-a-half years have been both challenging and fulfilling. I am proud of our team’s accomplishments, and I leave United Way in the hands of a strong board of directors and dynamic team. I have no doubt they will continue to move the organization forward,” Rust continued.
United Way’s next leader – Mariah Vail, a development manager for United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties, has accepted the offer to replace Rust as the newest executive director. United Way’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment on Friday, April 28.
Vail has been with United Way for the past two years and is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University, where she received her MBA. Prior to United Way, Mariah worked for Olivet’s Office of Development, the Pledge for Life Partnership, Project SUN. Mariah also serves as an events team member for Connect Roasters and is the Kankakee area Ministry Lead for Safe Families for Children. Mariah lives with her husband, Dustin, in Kankakee.
“We are delighted to have Mariah step in as our new executive director – her unfaltering dedication, strong background in the non-profit space, and intimate knowledge of United Way make her a perfect fit for this role,” stated incoming United Way Board President Sarah Marion.