Katie Ellis has been named executive director of the United Way of Knox County, effective May 20. Ellis replaces Lori Jones-Perkins, the current executive director, who announced her resignation in April.
“The United Way of Knox County Board is excited to welcome Katie as executive director. Katie has a passion for serving the community and brings experience developing programs, writing grants, and fostering community relations. She will seamlessly step into the role as she is a natural leader who strives to motivate and empower others,” Board Chair Brian Bell said.
Most recently, Ellis served as the assistant fiscal officer for the Community Library in Sunbury where she managed the library’s finances and employee benefits as well as sought out grant funding opportunities. Prior to that role, she served as the youth services assistant for the Community Library, organizing and leading programming as well as overseeing volunteers. Preceding her time at the library, Ellis was the Science Department head at the Gilead Christian School in Mount Gilead.
Ellis was raised in the world of 4-H with the pledge that she would pursue “larger service for my club, my community, my country, and my world”. As the next executive director, she hopes to continue using this guiding principle to work for the good of others in Knox County. She currently serves on the Knox Network of Nonprofits committee, helping to develop and lead programs to educate nonprofit leaders, is a project advisor for the 4-H Youth program, and has partnered with local nonprofit organizations to secure grant funding for various programs and initiatives.
“Thank you to the United Way Board for this wonderful opportunity. I look forward to working alongside other leaders to make Knox County an even stronger community,” Ellis said.
Ellis lives in Centerburg with her husband, Tim, and four children. She loves exploring the natural beauty to be found in central Ohio. Her family can frequently be found hiking and mountain biking in the area.
Now in its 73rd year, the United Way of Knox is a cornerstone of community wellness and success. They strategically connect partners and resources to community needs in order to measurably impact the quality of lives of Knox County residents. Since 1951, local volunteers have been responsible for raising more than $20 million to impact the quality of life for Knox County residents.
