United Way Blog
Noreen J. Dunnells, President & CEO
United Way of Central Minnesota
Noreen has served as the President & CEO of United Way of Central Minnesota since February of 1999. In her role, she works closely with the Board of Directors to set policy and direction for the organization and 15 full time equivalent staff to carry out the mission of the organization: to improve people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of central Minnesota.
During her 25 years with United Way, she has led fund annual development efforts of $8 million, fund distribution processes of $15 million and recently initiated a community impact transformation within her current organization.
In 2003, she served as President of United Ways of Minnesota, 2004-06 member of the Governors Workforce Development Council, is in her 3rd term with the Stearns-Benton Workforce Council. Noreen chaired the Create CommUNITY Initiative from 2006-2009, a community initiative focused on dismantling racism; she has served on the Board of CNESI (Center for Non-Profit Excellence & Social Innovation). For the past 16 years, she has been a Rotary Club member, serving in various capacities in three different communities.
Noreen received her M.S. degree in Management from Antioch University/New England site in Keene, New Hampshire in 1988.
For fun, Noreen and her husband, Jeff are planning a cross country bicycle trip in the summer of 2012.
Betty Schnettler, Director of Partnerships & Services
United Way of Central Minnesota
United Way of Central Minnesota
I'm Betty Schnettler. I currently serve as Director of Partnerships & Services for United Way of Central Minnesota. Our staff and volunteers focus on these key areas: invest contributions in local services that change people's lives; connect people of all ages with volunteer opportunities that help them use their skills and interests and, at the same time, address community needs; link people with community resources that can meet their needs and those of people they care about; and targeted initiatives such as Success By 6 and the Financial Coaches project that focus community energy on current issues.
I have worked on a wide range of community projects - starting the volunteer center within United Way with a committed group of community volunteers, helped start the widowed persons service that is now Life Transitions, and shared the beginnings of the Multicultural Center of Central MN with people who believed it was possible and needed.
I am continually inspired by the people I meet everyday who work hard, show they care and believe in teamwork to reach a common goal. In our work there are challenges every day because we are focused on improving the lives of local people. Prior to my work with United Way, I was director of the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). I started as a college intern at RSVP. This shaped my career path and passion for volunteerism. I have a Social Work degree through St. Cloud State University.
On a more personal note, I am Mom to three of the most interesting people I know and married to a man who loves to cook, thank goodness. I am a member of Optimist Club which focuses on children and youth and ZONTA focused on children and rights of women locally and throughout the world. I have volunteered as a Big Sister, played cards with children at Boys & Girls Club Southside, been a Girl Scout leader and been involved in a myriad of other volunteer experiences that have changed my life.
