AUGUSTA - After four decades of service to United Way of Kennebec Valley (UWKV), Director of Finance and Administration Wendy Beaudoin has announced her plans to retire from the organization in March 2021. UWKV has hired Kelly Wasson as the organization's incoming Director of Finance and Operations, effective Feb. 1.

Beaudoin joined United Way in 1981 as the administrative assistant, and her position has evolved with the nonprofit’s needs. Over the course of her career, Wendy has helped United Way grow from a two-person operation raising $298,000 to four-person staff raising $1.66 million and serving 57,534 people in 2020—the highest amount in the organization's 65-year history.

"I have been very fortunate to work for an organization that has helped our entire community for 65 years," Beaudoin said. "Not only did I meet my husband through this job, but the relationships and experiences I have formed with staff, volunteers, and organizations will remain near and dear to my heart."

During Beaudoin's tenure, and with the support of the entire community, the number of programs that United Way funds has more than doubled and community initiatives have significantly expanded.

“We thank Wendy sincerely for everything she’s done to make life easier for the countless people who have relied on United Way’s partner programs,” said Courtney Yeager, executive director of UWKV. “Wendy has always demonstrated a true passion for the folks we help, and it’s been an honor to learn from and alongside someone with her wealth of knowledge over the past several years.”

"The United Way of Kennebec Valley is grateful for all of the contributions Wendy has made to the organization over the past 40 years," added Amy Tardiff, board chair at UWKV. "As a result of her talent and dedication to United Way’s mission, so many lives have been touched and so many of our friends and neighbors in the Kennebec Valley have benefitted. We wish Wendy the very best in her retirement!"

As Wasson assumes Beaudoin’s position, she will be responsible for overseeing the financial, administrative, information technology, and human resources functions of the organization. Wasson recently served as the director of operations and finance for United Way of Mid-Maine. Before joining the organization, Wasson was the director of operations and administration for several nonprofit and health care organizations across Kennebec County.

"Kelly comes to us with impressive experience in finance and operations that will help United Way expand its impact in the Kennebec Valley community," said Yeager. "We feel fortunate that she has chosen to join our United Way family and are confident that she will continue to build upon Wendy’s impressive body of work.”

A lifelong resident of Kennebec Valley, Wasson is eager to grow her career and continue making lasting change in her community. "I'm thrilled at this opportunity to become part of UWKV's great work in my home community," Wasson said. "Wendy leaves behind such a legacy and a wealth of knowledge and experience, which I feel very honored to be carrying forward."

Beyond work, Wasson enjoys being a charter member for the local Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and spending her free time with her family and pets. "We keep our work and play pretty local," Wasson said, "which I think is part of why I get a lot of satisfaction out of empowering others with opportunities that allow them to do the same."

For more information about UWKV, visit uwkv.org or contact 207-626-3400.