Two prominent community champions – Bill Hennessey, Vice President of Mission at Mercy and Dr. Grenita Lathan, Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools – are co-chairing United Way Ozarks Region’s 2025-26 Community Campaign. The pair is heading a 14-person cabinet focused on encouraging donors to help United Way Ozarks Region (UWO) lead the way to brighter futures across Southwest Missouri. Their goal? Raise $1.8 million before March 31, 2026.
“United is the way forward—and this campaign is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together,“ said Brandi VanAntwerp, President/CEO of UWO. “With leaders like Bill and Dr. Lathan, I’m confident we’ll meet our goal and make meaningful, lasting change for families across the Ozarks. Every dollar raised through our campaign is put to work solving the most pressing issues in our community.” Currently, United Way Ozarks Region funds 20 programs operated by 15 local nonprofits. That money comes from UWO’s Community Investment Fund, which is built by individual and corporate donations through the Community Campaign.
“The United Way is doing such important work in our community. They take a big-picture, inclusive approach—bringing people together and driving real action. It is amazing to see what can happen when we all come together as a community, and I love how the United Way facilitates this collaboration! I encourage everyone to get involved so we can all work toward a healthier future here in the Ozarks,” said Hennessey.
Lathan added, “I’m deeply connected to this campaign because United Way Ozarks Region truly uplifts children throughout our community. I’ve witnessed the impact of their efforts firsthand—every donation plays a part in creating a brighter future for everyone.”
2025-26 United Way Ozarks Region Community Campaign Cabinet
o Bill Hennessey (Co-chair), Mercy
o Dr. Grenita Lathan (Co-chair), Springfield Public Schools
o Billy Dove, John Deere Reman & 417 Foodist
o Jason Finke, Associated Electric Cooperative Inc.
o Janelle Haik, 417 Magazine
o Sandy Howard, community volunteer
o Chris Jarratt, Revel Advertising
o Dr. Julie Masterson, community volunteer
o Justin McCarty, Central Labor Council/Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 178
o Keith Noble, Commerce Bank
o Stephanie O’Connor, City Utilities
o Jason Rader, community volunteer
o Anthony Roberts, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks
o Kelly Turner, City Utilities
