The United Way of Central Illinois (UWCIL) has announced the selection of Marne Fauser to serve as its new president and CEO. She will begin her new role April 1. She replaces John Kelker, who is retiring after 26 years leading the organization.
Fauser comes to UWCIL having served with the divisional headquarters of The Salvation Army that spans central Illinois and eastern Iowa.
Since 2016 she has advanced in leadership at the Salvation Army including serving as the donor relations director and planned giving adviser, and more recently, as the divisional development director. The Salvation Army serves a multi-state area in the central Midwest and focuses on many of the issue areas addressed by the United Way including poverty, homelessness, empowering youth, and supporting families.
The selection team was a diverse representation of United Way volunteers, local employers and agency leaders. While the process considered over 70 interested candidates, the team was unanimous in their selection of Fauser.
Board chair Roger Austin said, “Marne rose to the top of a very competitive pool of candidates given her record as a nonprofit organization leader with entrepreneurial passion, drive and vision.”
Prior to her tenure with the Salvation Army, Fauser was the community outreach coordinator and development director for the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Truman State University.
Fauser has served as a girls’ basketball coach at the collegiate and high school level; she currently serves as the Glenwood Girls Basketball Varsity coach. She also has experience volunteering with area service organizations and is a member of the Charitable Gift Planners Association.
“I am excited to get started and work with a passionate community, invested board and a United Way staff that are working to positively impact our communities,” said Fauser.
