August 26, 2024 – West Bend, WI – At the annual Leaders in Giving event, United Way of Washington County presented the Clifford A. & Elizabeth M. Nelson Volunteer Leadership Award to Claire Rolfs and the inaugural Kevin Steiner Emerging Leader Award to Sandie Giernoth.
Clifford A. & Elizabeth M. Nelson Volunteer Leadership Award
United Way’s Nelson Volunteer Leadership Award was created to recognize an individual in Washington County who has demonstrated community leadership and a long-term commitment to volunteering.
The award is named in honor of the late Cliff and Betty Nelson, who are known for their outstanding volunteer efforts on behalf of human service, civic, and arts organizations. Each year, past Nelson Award winners nominate and select a new recipient.
At this year’s event, Claire Rolfs was honored with this prestigious life-time achievement award. Rolfs has contributed and volunteered for a number of local nonprofits. Nominator and past award recipient, Peter Ziegler said, “Since moving back into our community, Claire has totally immersed herself in public service.” Key highlights of her service include:
- Current Chair of the West Bend Community Foundation
- Board member of MOWA
- Chair of the Threshold Foundation
- Board member of the Albrecht Free Clinic – instrumental in affiliation with Lakeshore
- Board member of Family Promise
- A driver in greening of Downtown West Bend
- Key player in protecting the Washington County Golf Course in perpetuity
- Chair of Rolfs Education Foundation
In addition, she and her family foundation have contributed generously to many of the above organizations and many more projects in West Bend.
“Each year, it is an honor to recognize the best of our community,” said Kristin Brandner, CEO of United Way of Washington County. “Claire has supported a wide range of nonprofits and has made a profound impact with her time and support. We recognize Claire’s legacy for her commitment to our local community.”
Kevin Steiner Emerging Leader Award
United Way’s Kevin Steiner Emerging Leader Award was created to recognize an individual who has demonstrated leadership and made a profound impact on growing the Emerging Leaders program. The award is named in honor of Kevin Steiner, the founder of the Emerging Leaders group, which started in 2017 when he served his first term as United Way campaign chair. Kevin saw a need to grow the next generation of leaders in our community.
United Way’s Emerging Leaders is a team of professionals who actively invest their time, talent and resources to improve our community. Their mission is to ignite and inspire one another by providing opportunities to lead, serve and grow.
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Sandie Giernoth was honored with this award and is the first recipient. She is one of the founding members and served as co-chair of the Emerging Leaders program.
She helped develop, shape and launch the program. “Without Sandie’s drive and passion, I’m not sure we could have successfully launched the Emerging Leaders Program. Her leadership and dedication was second to none and our community is beyond lucky to have her making such an impact,” said Dominic Ladd, co-founder of the Emerging Leaders program.
“Sandie rolled up her sleeves and put the work in to lay a solid foundation for this program to grow. She was an integral contributor to the program’s success to date. She also serves as inspiration as her volunteer leadership roles evolved and continue to deepen. Now, she serves as United Way’s board president,” said Brandner.
United Way’s Leadership Event is the first of the 2024 campaign season, which officially kicks off in September. United Way raises and distributes funds to support local programs that measurably improve residents’ education, financial stability, and health.
Click HERE to view a message from the 2024 campaign chair team.
About United Way of Washington County
Our mission is to improve lives and community conditions in measurable and lasting ways. United Way is a volunteer-driven organization that serves all communities in Washington County. It is governed by a board of community volunteers, dedicated to providing funding and community resources for health and human service needs in the areas of Education, Financial Stability, and Health.