United Way of Rock River Valley today announced that President and CEO Paul Logli has decided to retire, effective June 30, 2021. United Way’s Board of Directors has begun the process of securing Logli’s successor.
Logli joined UWRRV in December, 2008 and has led the organization through myriad changes to meet the critical needs of the community. Under his leadership, UWRRV transitioned into an issue-oriented organization in order to make a deeper impact on specific issues facing our region. In 2014, he spearheaded the launch of two United Way’s Strong Neighborhood Houses for residents in Midtown and Ellis Heights neighborhoods. A third Strong Neighborhood House recently opened on Marie Avenue in Machesney Park.
Most recently, Logli oversaw United Way’s launch of Move the Middle – an initiative that addresses the unique needs of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders and continues UWRRV’s long-running commitment to ensuring children have the support they need to succeed in school.
Originally, Logli intended to announce his retirement last April, 2020 at UWRVV’s 100 Year anniversary gala. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the gala was never held and he subsequently postponed his retirement to oversee the organization’s COVID-19 relief efforts. More than $1 million was raised and distributed to agencies on the front line to meet the community’s emerging needs during the pandemic.
“Paul has given his heart and soul to United Way for 13 years as its leader, and for years before that as a board member and strong supporter of the organization,” said Mike Paterson, board chairman. “In fact, during his time on the board in the 1990s, Paul has the distinction of having recruited the largest group of campaign volunteers in the organization’s history. He has a commanding presence that is hard to say no to!
“When Paul took over as United Way CEO, it was during one of the most economically challenging periods our community has ever faced. With Paul’s guidance, the organization has been able to transition through difficult times, weathering the storms and continuing to meet the community’s needs. His years of service and dedication to United Way will be remembered for a long time to come.” Paterson said.
Before joining United Way, Logli was a circuit court judge, and before that served 21 years as Winnebago County State’s Attorney, the longest tenure in the county’s history. A fixture in the Rockford community, Logli has given of his time and talents to numerous causes such as Rockford Public Library, Transform Rockford, and Alignment Rockford. He is considered the founder of the Carrie Lynn Children’s Advocacy Center and is a Charter Board Member of the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“It has been an honor to serve the community as United Way CEO,” said Logli. “I truly believe that our community is stronger because of United Way and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of an organization that has served the community for more than one hundred years.”
“United Way is well positioned to continue doing what it does best - investing donor dollars and partnering with other agencies – to make the deepest impact in our communities. As I look forward to retirement I can’t help but think about all those who have given back, and are dedicated and passionate about United Way. It’s been an amazing experience.”