United Way of Will County Staff

Sarah Oprzedek Portrait

Sarah Oprzedek, President & CEO

Sarah Oprzedek is a passionate and dynamic Will County leader with over 15 years of professional fundraising and not-for-profit experience. Her NFP career began in 2006 at United Way of Will County, where she progressed through various positions of increasing responsibility, and was named President & CEO in January 2023. Prior to United Way of Will County, Sarah’s professional background was in Human Resources and Employee Relations at a local Fortune 500 company. Through a combination of her HR experience, education in Psychology and Social Work, and commitment to making a difference, she found her passion within the field of Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Relations to benefit the greater good.

Sarah is a life-long resident of Will County and graduate of Lewis University. She enjoys attending concerts, tackling DIY projects, and anything that involves Star Wars. Most importantly, she treasures spending time with her husband, Brendan, their two children, Soffia and Isaac, and their dog who thinks she’s a cat, Josie.

 

815.723.2500 ext. 107 | Contact Us

Ken Guldenbecker, Development Director Portrait

Ken Guldenbecker, Development Director

Ken joined United Way of Will County in June of 2023, to enhance and build revenue and resource generation, corporate engagement, and volunteerism that when combined, drive community impact and positive change in Will County.

Previous to this role, Ken held the position of Donor Engagement & Giving Manager at his alma mater, University of St. Francis. At USF, Ken worked with alumni and benefactors to increase affinity through the implementation of stewardship plans, special events, and communications.

Ken is from Minooka, IL and now lives in Joliet. He plays the french horn in various musical groups and enjoys civic opportunities, golfing, and spending time with family and friends.

815.723.2500 X104 | Contact Us

Kristi Harrington, Finance Director

Kristi joined United Way of Will County in 2018 to maintain financial transparency and accountability while preparing and monitoring all financial information presented to all constituents.

Before joining United Way of Will County, Kristi worked for Livingston County & Will County in their respective Tax Extension Departments. In these roles, she processed tax extensions, audits, GIS and TIFs, new properties, and school bonds. For more than 12 years, Kristi held the position of Accounting and Office manager for Bielfeldt Realty.

Kristi studied business at Heartland College.

Currently, Kristi treasures her time with her husband, five children, and six grandchildren. Kristi and her husband enjoy spending their weekends camping during the summer.

815.723.2500 ext. 106 | Contact Us

Loren Yaksich, Community Impact Director

Loren joined in United Way of Will County in June of 2015 to lead investment procedures, support community/partner relations and manage internal programs that ultimately drive social impact and positive change in Will County.

Prior to joining United Way of Will County, Loren was at The South Suburban Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse as the Community Relations Representative. There, she coordinated community relations activities and external education/seminar events. She also developed and maintained referral relationships and agreements, help implemented and provided support related to clinical electronic records, and coordinated the Spring Banquet and other fundraisers, while providing overall support and assistance to the Board of Directors.

In 2004, Loren graduated DeVry University with a Bachelor’s in Telecommunications Management. She graduated from Keller’s School of Management with a Master’s in Business Administration in 2005.

Currently, Loren lives in Tinley Park, with her husband, Gary, and her mini-me daughter, Emilie. She loves traveling, animals and has been riding horses since childhood and has shared the passion of horses to Emilie.

815.723.2500 ext. 105 | Contact Us

Merridith Montgomery, Continuum of Care Executive Director

Photo and Bio Coming Soon

815.723.2500 ext. 108 | Contact Us

Brent DeCarlo, Continuum of Care HMIS Administrator

Photo and Bio Coming Soon

815.723.2500 ext. 110 | Contact Us