United Way of Will County Staff
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
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
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
Brent DeCarlo, Continuum of Care HMIS Administrator
With over 40 years of experience in the ever-evolving realm of information technology, Brent has witnessed the transformation from the early days of Computer Science to the modern era of Information Technology. His journey began long before the internet emerged, and has navigated through various roles, from Research and Development within the Department of Energy to thriving in the private sector.
Throughout his career, Brent has committed to staying ahead of the curve, and adapting to new technologies and methodologies. Beyond the tech realm, he has cultivated a diverse set of interests, including a passion for motorcycles, golf, and capturing the adrenaline of racing events through freelance photography. Above all, Brent is happily married to his bride of over 36 years, Jackie.
815.723.2500 ext. 110 | Contact Us
Merridith Montgomery, Continuum of Care Executive Director
Merridith Montgomery (Mary) has dedicated 15 years to ending homelessness in the state of Illinois. She currently serves as the Will County Continuum of Care Executive Director, engaging and mobilizing community partners, launching community-wide initiatives, and successfully achieving outcomes in Will, Kendall, and Grundy counties. Mary is passionate that everyone should have a home that meets their needs in the communities of their choice. Together, we can end homelessness!
Mary received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Sociology is the foundation that encourages her to use data to shape policy to impact our communities.
Mary loves exploring through travel and adventures in nature with her children- Mikey and Maggie.
815.723.2500 ext. 108 | Contact Us
Mike Mealer, COC Coordinated Entry Coordinator
Photo and Bio Coming Soon
815.723.2500 ext. 109 | Contact Us