Meg Louwagie is the new chief executive officer of the United Way of Southwest Minnesota, the board of directors announce last week.

She is scheduled to start her new position on May 16. UWSWMN is looking forward to continued success under the leadership of Louwagie.

In February, UWSWMN Board Chair Terry Kriz and Vice Chair Rachel Nuese collaborated to create a transition and search committee to find a replacement for former CEO Sarah Kicmal who submitted her resignation effective April 1.

“We had a lot of good candidates for the position.  Meg Louwagie stood out to the transition and search committe,” Kriz said.  “She is a big supporter of UWSWMN and has a proven track record of fundraising and working with the communities in southwest Minnesota.  We think she will bring new and fresh ideas to UWSWMN, and the board is looking forward to her leadership in this role.”

Louwagie has been an active UWSWMN volunteer for several years. She has served on the Power of the Purse committee, been a classroom reader for Read for the Record, and volunteered for the Free Tax Clinic, a UWSWMN community partner program.  Prior to coming to UWSWMN, she was a congressional staff member for Congressman Collin C. Peterson.

“I am honored to have been chosen to serve in this position for the United Way,” Louwagie said. “I am excited to combine the commitment and passion I have for community engagement with the mission of the United Way of Southwest Minnesota.  I look forward to building and furthering existing relationships with our community partners and organizations, increasing our visibility and programing throughout our service area.”