SPS superintendent, banker co-chair community campaign for United Way of the Ozarks

Superintendent Grenita Lathan and banker Brent Baldwin are co-chairing the 2024-25 community campaign for the United Way of the Ozarks.

Their goal is to raise $2 million before March 31.

Lathan and Baldwin are part of a 16-member cabinet that will be working to raise money for the nonprofit, which supports helping children, families and others in the Springfield area.

"I'd love for people to increase their personal giving and their workplace giving," Lathan said in a recent interview with the News-Leader.

Brandi VanAntwerp, president and CEO of the Springfield-based nonprofit that funds programs and promotes community engagement, said she is thankful "high caliber leaders" stepped up to help.

“The more we raise, the more we can do locally to champion children and provide pathways out of poverty," she said, in a release.

The United Way of the Ozarks funds 20 programs created by 15 local nonprofits through the Community Investment Fund, which is based on individual and corporate donates through the annual campaign.

“United Way of the Ozarks uplifts children across our community, which is why I feel so connected to this campaign. I’ve seen the difference their work makes," Lathan said. "Every donation helps build a better tomorrow, for all of us."

Baldwin, executive vice president of Commerce Bank, added: “Our United Way does important work no one else is doing. They take a strategic and inclusive view, they build connections and mobilize. I encourage everyone to participate so United Way can help all of us in the Ozarks experience a healthier and more stable life, to live up to our potential."

The cabinet began training July 16 and the annual Community Campaign kickoff is 4-6 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Farmers Park Pavilion in Springfield. The members include:

• Grenita Lathan, Springfield Public Schools
• Brent Baldwin, Commerce Bank,
• David Agee, Husch Blackwell LLC
• Kevin Ausburn, SMC Packaging Group
• Andrea Brady, Great Southern Bank
• Justin Butler, UMB
• Denise Fredrick, community volunteer
• Janelle Haik, 417 Magazine
• Bill Hennessey, Mercy
• Sandy Howard, community volunteer

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: SPS superintendent, banker co-chair community campaign for United Way of the Ozarks