United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)'s nine staff members operate its internal programming and provide support to 47 nonprofits regionwide with the support of donors and volunteers, led by a board of directors.
Incoming board members were announced during UWNEMN’s Annual Celebration March 26th at Fortune Bay Resort Casino: Torie Arnoldy (Fort & Company), Steve Biondich (City of Biwabik), and Dan Vidmar (Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.)
Returning board members include: Chrissy Bartovich (U. S. Steel Minnesota Ore Operations), Chad Buus (Road Machinery & Supplies Co.), Eric Clement (Minnesota Power), Jennifer Clement (LISC Duluth), Dean DeBeltz (Twin Metals Minnesota), Jack Furlong (Ameriprise Financial), LaTisha Gietzen (Kalenborn Abresist Corporation), Sunnie Hardy (AMSOIL, Inc.), James Helms (Essentia Health), Matt Hiti (Cleveland-Cliffs Hibbing Taconite, USW Local 2705), Jaime Johnson (U. S. Steel Minnesota Ore Operations), Jenna Lehti (NewRange Copper Nickel), Shari McGregor-Overbye (AMCAST), Mike Norton (Retired, Cleveland-Cliffs United Taconite), Amanda Pihlaja (Park State Bank), Nick Renollet (Lakehead Constructors Inc.), and Greg Schulzetenberg (Lake Country Power).
Hiti was elected 2026 UWNEMN Board President. Outgoing president Buus became involved with the organization more than 21 years ago.
“It was just a part of my workplaces’ culture, and I’m so happy I stuck with it,” he said.
Buus called incoming president Hiti a dedicated advocate, volunteer, and donor. Like Buus, Hiti said he was grateful to be involved with UWNEMN.
“I was a skeptic from day one, but being part of this organization has changed me in many different ways,” he said. “I’m excited about where we’re headed; I just hope I’m up to the task.”
Both Buus and Hiti recognized longtime board member Dan Kotnik who passed away late last year.
“We will do our best to emulate Dan by being true friends to all, showing up to help whenever we are needed, and, of course, being quick to make motions to adjourn long board meetings,” Hiti said.