United Way of Monroe/Lenawee County names Pipis as executive director

Laura Schultz Pipis (left) has replaced the retiring Connie Carroll (right) as Executive Director of the United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties.
Laura Schultz Pipis (left) has replaced the retiring Connie Carroll (right) as Executive Director of the United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties.

The United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties has named Laura Schultz Pipis as their new executive director.

Pipis succeeds Connie Carroll, who officially retired on June 30.

Earlier report: Connie Carroll retiring after 25 years with United Way

More: New Executive Director of United Way of Monroe/Lenawee County: 'I have big shoes to fill'

Pipis' new duties began on July 1.  She will focus on fundraising, community impact and advocacy activities in both counties.

“I am eager to help address unmet needs in both counties, focusing on the United Way pillars of Health, Education and Financial Stability, striving for a good life for everyone," Pipis said in a statement. "I love both communities I serve, and I look forward to making a difference in this new role. ”

“I am confident that Laura’s vision and experience will lead our United Way into new growth and services for the future,” Carroll added.

Pipis has been the Associate Director of the United Way since March 2018, primarily focusing on Lenawee County.  Prior to that, she spent the past 3 years in Lenawee County as the Executive Director of the Catherine Cobb Safe House (also known as Family Counseling and Children’s Services of Lenawee County). An Ida High School graduate, she previously served 28 years with the American Red Cross. She retired from the Red Cross after 15 years as the Chief Executive Officer for the Monroe County Red Cross. The previous 13 years, she served as the Emergency Services Director for the Washtenaw County Red Cross.

Pipis has an Associate’s Degree from Monroe County Community College, and holds undergraduate (BSW) and graduate degrees (MPA) from Eastern Michigan University.  She was also an adjunct lecturer at EMU in Non-Profit Management for 13 years and still remains on their Masters in Public Administration (MPA) Advisory Board. She is active in her church, Zion Lutheran Church of Summerfield. She lives on the west side of Monroe with her husband, Steve.

“We are very excited to have Laura taking on the role of the executive director of the United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties,” said United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties Board of Directors President, Amanda Phebus. “Laura brings unique expertise and background and has an exceptional combination of energy, warmth, and proven leadership to the challenges our community faces. Both the board and staff are impressed with her extensive knowledge of Monroe and Lenawee Counties and expertise in Non-Profit Management.

"We expect Laura to not only continue delivering on the United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties mission, but to work with partners and funders to help expand the organizations impact, uplifting those in need."

The United Way funds twenty-five local Monroe County agency programs and serves as a donor designation vehicle for additional agencies. All funds raised in Monroe County stay in Monroe County. The United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties funds 11 local Lenawee County agency programs and serves as a donor designation vehicle for 30+ additional agencies. All funds raised in Lenawee County stay in Lenawee County.  The United Way sponsors countywide 2-1-1 services, coordinates Project Ramp, conducts annual Health Check events, oversees the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), volunteer referral services and Day of Action events.

For more information about the GIVING AND LIVING UNITED, contact their offices in Monroe County: Call 734-242-1331, mail a contribution or visit at 216 N. Monroe St., Monroe, MI  48162. Lenawee County: Call 517-264-6821, mail a contribution or visit at 136 E. Maumee St., Suite 15, Adrian, MI 49221. Email them at lpipis@unitewaymlc.org or visit our website at www.unitedwaymlc.org.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: United Way of Monroe/Lenawee County names new executive director