Whitney Johnson is excited for her new role as the United Way of the Flint Hills’ executive director.
Johnson tells KVOE News her interest in community service has been developing for a while, especially after her time leading the local Boys and Girls Club program ended when the regional organization ended its partnership with USD 253 Emporia this past spring.
Johnson is currently a specialized services case manager at CrossWinds Counseling Wellness. She sees that position, as well as leadership roles with the Emporia Arts Council — leading the Granada Theatre for six months — and the local Boys and Girls Club as enhancing her skill sets as she moves into her new position.
United Way Board of Trustees President Scott Hayes says prior directors, including Mertens but also Mickey Edwards and Jami Reever before Edwards, set a high bar for a new director.
Hayes says Johnson has developed a track record of collaboration. passion and self-challenge in her prior positions. She steps in at a challenging time, with several significant job losses over the last 18 months coupled with ongoing trends of lower donation totals and more expansive need. For months, the United Way has been moving more towards seeking grant funds while developing more direct services.
Johnson will succeed Daphne Mertens, with a transition period beginning April 20 and continuing through the upcoming Campaign Celebration. Johnson officially takes over May 15. Johnson says Mertens was an “amazing” leader for the United Way.
Mertens 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.
8:45 am Friday
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’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.
