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Moffat County United Way executive director steps down

Janelle O'Dea
Corrie Ponikvar stands next to United Way's tree at the Festival of Trees on Dec. 18. Ponikvar will step down as executive director of Moffat County United Way on March 31.
Janelle O’Dea

— After the first of the year, Moffat County United Way will begin its search for a new executive director.

Current Executive Director Corrie Ponikvar will be stepping down on March 31 after 18 years with the organization. Her decision has nothing to do with how much she enjoys work and everything to do with family.

“I need to spend more time with my parents,” she said. “They’re aging, and I’m really busy with the job, so it’s just mostly to spend more time with family.”



She’s not seeking another job and has no plans to do so. She’ll continue to work with the organization and board throughout the transition — that’s part of the reason for her three-month notice.

Ponikvar will help Moffat County United Way get through its allocations process, meaning giving raised funds to various nonprofits.



She’ll also assist with the allocation process for Moffat County Youth United Way and Human Resources Council.

The latter two programs were started during Ponikvar’s tenure, as well as Bridges Out of Poverty.

Moffat County United Way raised the most funds to date in 2009, totaling $524,000, she said.

Ponikvar feels good about leaving the organization in the hands of the board and Amanda Arnold, Moffat County United Way’s community impact coordinator.

“That’s one of the best things we could have done,” she said about hiring Arnold. “She’s passionate about the job, is able to relate and does a great job raising funds through grant writing.”

Ponikvar will help her husband, John, with a couple of projects at the NAPA Auto Parts store they own and operate. She’s also looking forward to attending yoga class on a regular basis and “not rushing out to meetings all of the time.”

But there’s a lot she will miss about the job, too.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with all of the community leaders who served on our board and who work tirelessly to raise thousands,” she said.

She’ll miss seeing the direct impact of Moffat County United Way’s work on the Craig community, which was “the most gratifying part.”

She and her family have no plans to leave. They’re staying put in Craig, where she’s has been almost her entire life.

“This is one of the most generous communities anywhere,” Ponikvar said.

Contact Janelle O’Dea at 970-875-1795 or jodea@CraigDailyPress.com or follow her on Twitter @jayohday.


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