United Way of Rock River Valley announced that its Board of Directors has hired Julie Bosma as president and chief executive officer. She succeeds Paul Logli who is retiring on June 30 after 13 years as the head of the organization.
“Julie is a proven leader in the nonprofit world with a track record of decades of successful leadership within local organizations,” said Mike Paterson, board president. “She possesses the qualifications and expertise to guide United Way into its second century of making an even greater impact on the community.”
Most recently, Bosma was executive director of RAMP Inc., a Center for Independent Living. During her tenure, Bosma increased annual revenues from $300,000 to $2 million, created a $1 million endowment during the 2008 recession, launched employment programs assisting hundreds of teens and adults with their employment goals, and developed disability awareness curriculums serving students K-12. While she was at the helm, RAMP was credited with being one of the first Centers in the state to advocate for and receive funding to annually reintegrate individuals with disabilities living in institutions back into their home communities, resulting in multi-million-dollar savings to the state.
Bosma is well known in the community and has been recognized by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce as one of the 20 People You Should Know and Manager of the Year. During her time at RAMP, the organization received the Rockford Register Star Excelsior award.
Bosma holds a B.A. degree in Communications/Public Relations from Valparaiso University and a Master of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University.
“I am honored to take on this new role for the community and know it will be challenging, especially in a post-COVID world. But the Rock River Valley is made up of people who genuinely care for and support one another, and I look forward to the continued impact we can all make together,” Bosma said. “My goal is to build on the success the United Way has had for the past 100 years and create even more movement toward addressing our most significant social issues as a team.”
Bosma’s appointment concludes a three-month search process overseen by an executive search committee led by incoming board President Julie O’Rourke. “Julie’s track record and her vision for the future made it clear to the committee that she is the right person to lead United Way,” O’Rourke said. “We are confident that her experience and expertise will be a tremendous asset as we look to the future.”
Bosma will assume the role of president and CEO on Monday, June 28, 2021. A retirement celebration for Logli will take place on Wednesday, June 23 as part of the United Way event, Music at Midway. For more information, visit unitedwayrrv.org/musicatmidway.