United Way reshuffles its staff, eliminates post

The United Way of Southeast Missouri announced this week it has completed an internal restructuring of staff and responsibilities, including the elimination of its director of education initiatives.

Kristi Embry, whose last day was Friday, held the title at the United Way since early February. Her responsibilities included coordinating the United Way's Success By 6 and LIFE initiatives.

Melissa Stickel, director of operations and community impact, said the position was eliminated because of "a shortfall in funding," but the United Way will remain committed to maintaining its focus on early childhood literacy and education.

"Those priorities absolutely have not changed for United Way," Stickel said.

A news release Wednesday said the organization completed the restructuring as it begins the new fiscal year.

Melissa Stickel

"Annually, the organization performs a thorough review of the entire budget, which includes all income and expenses," the release said. "As a result of this review, the decision was made to eliminate the position of director of education initiatives held by Kristi Embry. The decision was made in order to maintain the commitments made to the various programs funded by these initiatives."

Stickel added the board's decision doesn't reflect a reduction in the organization's education focus area, but "demonstrates the high value we place on the programs we provide funding for."

The United Way will continue its Born Learning activities in partnership with the Cape Girardeau Public Library, Kindergarten Jumpstart, Messy Morning and other activities that have been a part of Success By 6 and LIFE.

Stickel will take on coordinating those services, and to reflect her new responsibilities, Stickel's title was changed from director of community development to director of operations and community impact.

Last week, during the United Way of Southeast Missouri Leadership Luncheon, Elizabeth Shelton of Cape Girardeau was introduced as the organization's new executive director.

Elizabeth Shelton

She officially steps into the role Aug. 10.

The organization has been without an executive director since May, when Nancy Jernigan left after coming to a mutual agreement with the board of directors the change was in its best interest, according to a news release issued at the time.

She had held the position since 1995.

klamb@semissourian.com

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430A Broadway St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.