AUGUSTA - United Way of Kennebec Valley (UWKV) has hired Tyler LeClair as the organization's first resource development manager—growing UWKV's staff capacity to six.

A Kennebec County native, LeClair comes to United Way from Hannaford where he was an assistant store manager and UWKV's fall loaned executive (a volunteer from Hannaford "loaned" to United Way to help during the campaign season). Before Hannaford, LeClair worked for Crisis & Counseling Centers—a United Way partner—in crisis residential services.

With a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and forensic psychology from Thomas College, LeClair is excited to reenter the nonprofit sector and make a difference in the community he grew up in.

"I am excited to be a part of the solution for the challenges that our community faces," said LeClair. "There is already an amazing team of people at UKWV and our partner programs are doing incredible work, so to be a part of this effort is truly a privilege."

With UWKV's recent expansion into northern Kennebec, the number of people in UWKV's service area has nearly doubled. By adding a sixth staff member, who will solely focus on fundraising, UWKV will have the capacity to support the community through more nonprofit partnerships.

"With our regional expansion, we sought a community-driven and caring individual to round out the UWKV team," said Courtney Yeager, executive director of UWKV. "Tyler is the relationship-builder we need to ensure the nonprofits and schools that we partner with have the resources to carry out their mission."

Beyond work, LeClair enjoys disc golfing, mountain biking, ice fishing, visiting breweries, and woodworking when time allows.

"This community is my home," said LeClair. "Without it, I wouldn't be the person I am today."

Since 1955, United Way of Kennebec Valley has been mobilizing the caring power of people and communities in Kennebec County. UWKV focuses on improving the health, education and financial stability for more than 31,000 local people.

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