New director set to lead next era at United Way

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Becca McGillis, right, has been named the new executive director of United Way of Logan County. Outgoing Director Dave Bezusko, left, has served in the role for 9 1/2 years. (UNITED WAY PHOTO) 

Becca McGillis, a resident of rural West Liberty, is the new executive director of United Way of Logan County. The United Way Board promoted her to the position this week.

McGillis assumes the role from Dave Bezusko, who has served as the organization’s executive director since 2015. Bezusko, who is an ordained Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church, begins a new job next month as the Director of Charities for the Catholic Diocese of Columbus.

Becca has been United Way’s Donor Relations Director since March 4, experiencing a “baptism by fire,” as the Indian Lake tornado occurred 10 days later, causing her to quickly experience first hand the impact a strong United Way can make in a community.

“What an honor it is to work at United Way of Logan County,” she said. “It’s been my pleasure to have gotten to know those who work at our Funded Agencies, our incredible donors, board, Allocations Committee and amazing staff over the past year. There are real people with real needs, and it takes a community to help meet them. I am looking forward to what is ahead for United Way and for Logan County.”

McGillis and Bezusko have been working the last six weeks to ensure a smooth transition. McGillis came to the organization with a strong affinity for the cause, serving as the volunteer Workplace Champion for the annual United Way Campaign at Marker, Inc., where she was the Human Resource Manager. For five straight years, McGillis and her team took home the Large Business Division Traveling Trophy, United Way’s highest award of philanthropic achievement, awarded to the workplace with the highest giving per capita.  

“Becca is a strong, faith-filled woman, full of compassion, an amazing story-teller,” said Bezusko. “Her ‘people skills’ are exceptional and I can’t think of a better person to guide United Way forward.”

People have always been the focus for Becca. At Marker, she says she focused on building relationships and meeting the needs of the people who worked there. She served in additional people-focused positions prior to that as kids pastor and then a barista at several coffee shops, including Sweet Aromas, before going to Marker. Finally, her love for people and passion for making an impact in the community led her to this current role. She is passionate about helping others and driven by her core values of faith, family, gratitude, kindness and service.

Outside of work, you can often find her walking at the park, hiking trails, savoring a cup of coffee, or cherishing moments with loved ones. She attends church regularly and meets with several friends for Bible study. She is a wife and proud mom of six kids, which includes two daughters-in-law. Being part of a large family, she treasures any time she can have with any of her family members.

Bezusko leaves United Way after nine and a half years and 10 annual campaigns. During that time, donors pledged more than $13 million to United Way. Logan County became the smallest community in Ohio to ever achieve a $1 million campaign for its local United Way and it’s about to happen for the seventh year in a row. The current campaign stands at $943,341 with over a month to go.

With the extra support, United Way was able to establish numerous new programs for Logan County, including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Community Care Day, Lunch Buddies school-based mentoring, the 211 information and referral hotline, the LIVE UNITED @ WORK Financial Wellness Program, a Housing Stability Program, and the Always United Endowment Fund.

“It seems surreal to be leaving United Way,” Dave says.  “This was a decision made through much prayerful discernment and consultation with my family and pastor. I have never sought out other jobs since I’ve been here. I absolutely love Logan County and working with all of you.

“The last nine and a half years have been the highlight of my career and together we have done incredible things to grow and sustain support for United Way of Logan County. I’ve always viewed myself as a steward of this great organization. United Way has been here for 69 years to meet the human service needs of Logan County and now it’s time for the next generation to steward it forward. Know what a great privilege it has been to serve in this role and how much I have enjoyed it! Thank you for letting me LIVE UNITED with you!”      

United Way is the philanthropic hub of Logan County. Since 1955, generations of local residents and businesses make their charitable impact through United Way.