Meet Our Team

Rachael Alwin, Major Gifts & Planned Giving Director

Rachael focuses on creating and cultivating relationships with major and planned givers, assists Alexis de Tocqueville Society campaign volunteers, and helps individuals leave a legacy through a planned gift to Sioux Empire United Way.

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Jill Chedester, Administrative Associate

Jill is the first face you see in our office on a typical day as she greets guests and volunteers. Additionally, Jill coordinates Imagination Library, Connecting Kids, Heart Club recognition, AED grants, and other special projects. 

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Ivy Cirillo, Marketing Associate

Ivy manages Sioux Empire United Way's social media channels, and digital communications and assists in the development and execution of marketing initiatives. 

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Taryn Latza, Campaign Director

Taryn plans and organizes the annual campaign, develops and implements fundraising strategies, and recruits, trains, and motivates volunteers to achieve success.

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Katie Popowski, Marketing Director 

Katie leads the development and execution of marketing strategies to promote the functions of Sioux Empire United Way, partner agencies, and community programs.

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Christina Riss, Chief Operations Officer

Christina actively works to plan, coordinate and direct Community Impact division activities, to include leading the community impact funding process and developing and maintaining effective relationships with agencies. She works in partnership with the President to manage the affairs of the overall operations including budgeting, strategic planning, staff management, staff development, and leadership.

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Pam Hanneman, Interim President/CEO

Pam provides the overall strategic vision and leadership to a talented professional team, as well as to a dedicated board, community volunteers, agency partners, and organizational stakeholders. She oversees the effective and efficient daily operations of the SEUW.

Heather Viergutz-McDonald, Finance Director

Heather leads all administrative and financial duties, including bookkeeping, budgeting, accounts receivable and accounts payable, and pledge processing and tracking from the fall campaign.

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Shawna VW, Finance & Database Specialist

Shawna maintains our database of givers, generates reports, processes and tracks pledges from the fall campaign, and supports finance operations.

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