United Way of Will County Staff
Sarah Oprzedek, President & CEO
Sarah’s United Way career took root in 2006 and progressed to various positions of increased responsibility. Combining her professional background in human resources and employee relations at a Fortune 500 company, along with her education in Psychology and Social Work, she blended these passions to establish her career within the field of corporate relations and corporate social responsibility to benefit the greater community. In her role, Sarah carves the path and leads the team to United Way of Will County’s future through relationship cultivation and stewardship, forging new and unlikely partnerships, while keeping a keen eye on the organizational vision: to be the leading, strategic partner of choice for creating social impact in Will County.
When Sarah is not advocating for community partners and social impact, you will find her dreaming of “a galaxy far, far away,” listening to punk rock and metal, and most importantly, spending “QT” time with her high school sweetheart of a husband and their two spunky children.
815.723.2500 ext. 107 | 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