The United Way of the Flint Hills has its next leader.
The Board of Trustees has chosen Whitney Johnson to take over for Daphne Mertens by May 15. Johnson has a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in entrepreneurship and a minor in business from Emporia State University. Currently a specialized services case manager at CrossWinds Counseling and Wellness, she also spent time leading Emporia’s Boys and Girls Club program before the regional organization ended its partnership with USD 253 Emporia.
Johnson succeeds Mertens, who has led the United Way through the integration of Healthier Lyon County, at one time a Community Partner, into the United Way’s lineup of core services, as well as the transition of emergency food distribution from Abundant Harvest to Abundant Grace, additional grant funding, additional partnerships and a new focus on direct services for residents in need across Lyon, Chase, Coffey, Morris, Osage, Wabaunsee and Woodson counties.
Johnson’s hire also comes as the United Way has been nearing its total fundraising goal of $500,000 for its annual Community Partner support campaign.
Johnson begins a transition period with Mertens on April 20.
