United Way welcomes new board members

The United Way of Southeast Missouri approved the appointment of four new board members recently. They are Regina Gray, Walt Paquin, Lincoln Scott and Jim Wente.

Gray is the new plant manager at Procter & Gamble. P&G continues to be the No. 1 contributor to the annual United Way campaign.

Paquin is a professor in Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Social Work. He has worked with the United Way for three years training funded partners how to implement outcomes-based measurement systems. Paquin has taken a lead role in the United Way's financial stability partnership committee with a focus on increasing free tax preparation service coupled with financial education about the availability of the federal government's earned income tax credit for working families.

Scott is assistant to the president in diversity and equity affairs at Southeast Missouri State University. He has used his experience in the St. Louis area to encourage youths to advance their education.

Wente is the chief executive officer of Southeast Missouri Hospital. He served on the board from 1999 to 2002 and is now rejoining. Past service includes helping the United Way begin its community assessment process that has led to a greater focus on critical community issues.

"This year our board recruitment efforts focused on finding individuals familiar with issues we are working on," United Way executive director Nancy Jernigan said.

Those interested in serving on the board may contact Jernigan at 334-9634 or by e-mail at nancy.jernigan@unitedwayofsemo.org. For more information about the United Way of Southeast Missouri, visit www.UnitedWayofSEMO.org.

Walt Paquin