New United Way of Eddy County director Kyle Marksteiner seeks stability for nonprofit
Transition might define the United Way of Eddy County’s life in 2023 and new executive director Kyle Marksteiner wants to bring stability to the charitable organization.
Marksteiner started his new job in late October after serving as public information officer for the city of Carlsbad for nearly 10 years.
He replaced interim director Missi Currier who was hired April 18 after former executive director Maria Cole and staffers departed in March.
More: United Way of Eddy County under temporary leadership
Currier now serves as the president and chief executive officer of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association.
No reason was given by the United Way of Eddy County Board of Directors for Cole and the other staffers leaving.
Former staffers did not want to comment to the Current-Argus. Marksteiner said Currier and the board of directors wanted to move the organization forward by hiring a permanent full-time director.
“Everything is above board,” Marksteiner said. “The books are balanced, things are managed well. From this point I’ve good conversations with the former folks and I’m moving forward.”
A press release from United Way said Marksteiner attained two college degrees from Trinity University and has more than 25 years of professional experience in Eddy County, mostly in media.
United Way of Eddy County Board Chairperson Brandon Boyles said in a statement Marksteiner’s background in media should help the the organization tell its story in supporting nonprofits and serving the public.
Marksteiner is no stranger to the United Way of Eddy County. He served on the board of directors and was a campaign chairperson.
United Way's services not limited to Carlsbad
Working in media and for Carlsbad, Marksteiner is well known in Eddy County.
“Hopefully that will be advantageous to this organization,” he said.
The United Way of Eddy County might be housed in Carlsbad and the organizations website indicated the agency partners with multiple groups in Carlsbad and Artesia.
Marksteiner said United Way would like to offer financial assistance to nonprofits outside of the two major municipalities.
“We want every dime that’s given to us to be spent in Eddy County on things that can help people get back to where they need to be,” he said.
Carlsbad’s Lifehouse sober living program has received United Way funds since 2016, said Director Philip Huston.
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He said Lifehouse was excited about Marksteiner’s hiring as United Way director.
“Kyle is an asset to our community, and we are confident that his connections and creativity will help move United Way and the nonprofits it supports forward,” Huston said.
United Way of Eddy County sets short- and long-term goals
Marksteiner said the United Way of Eddy is in the midst of its fundraising drive.
“We want a strong campaign. That’s the No. 1 way we can build for this entire year,” he said.
Marksteiner said expanding United Way’s 211 service line was a top priority in 2024.
According to the national United Way website, 211 is the most comprehensive source of information about local resources and services in the United States and Canada.
“The 211 network in the United States responds to more than 20 million requests for help every year. Most calls, web chats and text messages from people looking for help meeting basic needs like housing, food, transportation and health care,” noted the website.
Marksteiner said United Way of Eddy County offers 211 assistances for water and gas bills.
“We get people in touch with other programs and provide a switchboard operator service. We’d like to expand that into electricity,” he said.
Another goal for 2024, according to Marksteiner, is to help other nonprofit agencies in Eddy County and creating awareness for the community.
Besides Marksteiner, Ada Beth Majerus is United Way’s office manager and Lexie Alvarez is the 211 coordinator and office assistant.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: United Way of Eddy County names Kyle Marksteiner new director
