United Way of Kennebec Valley (UWKV) announced today that President and CEO Courtney Yeager will conclude her tenure with the organization on August 18, 2026, following 10 years of service to UWKV, including the past seven years as President and CEO.

Yeager, the first female and youngest President and CEO in the organization’s history, is stepping down as she and her family prepare to relocate to her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, to be closer to extended family as their two young children grow up.

The UWKV Board of Directors has been actively planning for the transition and will launch a search process this week to identify the organization’s next President and CEO. The board anticipates having a new leader in place prior to Yeager’s departure and remains committed to ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition.

 “Courtney’s leadership over the years has been nothing short of transformative for the United Way of Kennebec Valley,” said Corey Vose, UWKV Board Chair. “Her deep dedication to our mission has fueled unprecedented growth, allowing us to expand our reach and deepen our impact across the community. Courtney has a rare ability to unite people behind a common goal, and the stronger, more vibrant network we have today is a direct result of her vision and heart. While we will miss her presence daily, her legacy is woven into the very fabric of this organization, and we are immensely grateful for everything she has accomplished.”

Since becoming CEO in 2019, Yeager has led a period of significant growth, innovation, and community impact for UWKV. Under her leadership, the organization surpassed $2 million in annual campaign revenue for the first time in its history, grew campaign revenue by more than 35 percent, expanded its service area into northern Kennebec County, launched the community-wide Impact2032 initiative, and strengthened financial accountability and transparency.

Over the course of her decade with UWKV, the organization increased the number of local residents served annually from 16,865 to 34,291, expanded funding from 44 to 62 partner programs, grew its planned giving society from 5 members to 49, and brought together more than 115 cross-sector partners through the Impact2032 initiative. Yeager also led the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining organizational stability, strengthening community partnerships, and continuing to grow fundraising and community investment efforts.

“To say this decision was difficult would be an understatement,” said Yeager. “When I joined United Way ten years ago, I never could have imagined how much this organization, this work, and this community would come to mean to me. The relationships I’ve built here, the people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside, and the opportunity to help move this community forward have shaped me in ways I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

“While I’m excited to be closer to family, leaving UWKV is incredibly bittersweet. There was never going to be a perfect time to step away from work that matters this much. I am immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together and deeply appreciative of the donors, volunteers, community partners, board members, and staff who made that progress possible. Most importantly, I leave knowing the organization is strong, growing, and exceptionally well-positioned for continued success. Although my family and I will be relocating, this community will always remain important to me, and I expect to stay connected to the people and region that have meant so much to us.”

The organization emphasized that operations, community investments, partnerships, and fundraising activities will continue uninterrupted throughout the transition. Planning for UWKV’s 2026 campaign has been underway for months under the leadership of Campaign Co-Chairs Katie and Chris Doherty, and the organization remains focused on advancing its strategic priorities and community impact goals.

“As we enter this next chapter, our community can rest assured that UWKV remains on incredibly solid ground,” Vose said. “We have a phenomenal, deeply dedicated team in place, and our core mission and programs will continue without interruption. Transitions naturally bring change, but our strategic footing has never been stronger. The board has complete confidence in our staff’s ability to maintain our momentum, and we remain fully committed to serving Kennebec Valley with the same excellence and care that everyone has come to expect from us.”

Yeager joined UWKV in 2016 as the Director of Resource Development and Marketing and became President and CEO in 2019. She will continue leading the organization through August 18 and is committed to supporting a smooth transition for staff, volunteers, donors, community partners, and the organization’s next leader.

Additional updates regarding the CEO search process will be shared on UWKV’s website as they become available.