United Way of Central Iowa Board of Directors is pleased to announce the addition of ten new members, who began their two-year term on July 1, 2024. This significant expansion reflects United Way’s commitment to bolstering community impact and advancing its mission through strengthened governance and diverse viewpoints.
Among the new appointees are Monica Friedman, who will serve as Chair-Elect, and Kevin Zaugg, who will join the Finance Audit Committee, each bringing unique experiences and leadership to their roles.
Monica Friedman, Executive Vice President/Chief Human Recources Officer, LCS, steps into the role of Chair-Elect with a rich history of involvement with United Way of Central Iowa. Previously serving on the Board and Executive Committee, Monica chaired the Volunteer Cabinet, driving critical initiatives that have fortified community volunteer efforts. Her long-standing commitment and active participation in United Way programs make her an ideal successor to Maria Volante, our current Board Chair. Monica's extensive experience and unwavering dedication will provide invaluable guidance as she prepares to assume the role of Board Chair.
Kevin Zaugg, Managing Partner, EY, is a highly respected finance professional, will join the Board and the Finance Audit Committee, reinforcing United Way’s commitment to financial integrity and strategic oversight. Kevin’s addition to the Finance Audit Committee underscores United Way's dedication to maintaining transparency and accountability in its financial practices. His expertise will be crucial in guiding the organization’s financial strategies and ensuring the effective stewardship of resources.
“We are delighted to welcome this diverse and talented group of leaders to United Way’s Board of Directors. Their collective expertise and dedication to our community will be instrumental in advancing the organization’s UNITED to THRIVE strategic imperative,” said Maria Volante, President, Volante Consulting and Chair of the Board for United Way of Central Iowa.
In addition, the following individuals have been appointed to United Way of Central Iowa’s Board of Directors – serving as volunteer leaders and providing governance and counsel on decisions directly impacting the work being done to address our community’s most pressing needs within in the 5 Elements of a Thriving Community:
United Way of Central Iowa Welcomes New Board Members, Enhancing Leadership and Governance
United Way of Central Iowa has appointed Anne-Lyse Badou-James as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). 
Anne-Lyse will join the organization’s senior leadership team on July 29, 2024.In this role, Anne-Lyse will guide the organization’s strategic direction, oversee finance and technology, and enhance community impact through innovative approaches aligned to United Way of Central Iowa’s UNITED to THRIVE strategic imperative.
“We are thrilled to welcome Anne-Lyse to our team,” said Mary Sellers, President of United Way of Central Iowa. “Her dynamic leadership, combined with her expertise in finance and technology, will be pivotal as we continue uniting all sectors of central Iowa to foster a thriving community through our strategic focus on the 5 Elements of a Thriving Community. Anne-Lyse’s innovative vision thoroughly aligns with our commitment to engaging and empowering the community.”
Anne-Lyse has extensive experience leading core finance and supply chain functions, delivering significant revenue growth, and enhancing operational efficiency through data analytics and technological optimization. Known for her commitment to financial rigor and accountability, she excels in resource optimization, process improvements, and strategic financial planning. Her global mindset, international experience and passion for education have been instrumental in her professional success.
Prior to Anne-Lyse joining the United Way of Central Iowa team, she served as the Head of Finance at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) in St. Kitts. In this role, she managed a $100 million revenue segment, ensuring robust financial stewardship and partnering with other leaders on shaping the institution’s strategic direction. During her tenure, she guided RUSVM through four years of financial outperformance, spearheaded initiatives to diversify the student body, expanded the university’s global footprint, enhanced forecasting accuracy, and developed advanced predictive analytics frameworks to support growth.
Additionally, Anne-Lyse directed the Revenue Analysis & Planning group at Intelsat S.A., where she led a team responsible for synthesizing data from a $2.1 billion revenue portfolio into actionable strategic insights, significantly enhancing decision-making processes. Her diverse experience also encompasses key finance roles in the banking and nuclear energy sectors.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with such an incredible team,” said Anne-Lyse. “United Way of Central Iowa’s dedication to building a more empowered and thriving community by advancing equity, education, financial stability, and overall health and well-being is inspiring. I am eager to lead United Way’s financial management efforts to further support and enhance its impactful programs, and I look forward to the exciting journey ahead.”
Anne-Lyse holds a Master of Science in Accounting and Information Technology and a Bachelor of Science in General Business with a focus on International Business from the University of Maryland. She has completed the Adtalem Global Education Key Talent Development Program and holds executive certificates in Leadership from NYU’s Stern School of Business and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Anne-Lyse joins United Way of Central Iowa after a rigorous national search conducted in partnership with Koya Partners, a Diversified Search Group company. Koya exclusively focuses on recruiting senior leaders to mission-driven organizations nationally.
United Way of Central Iowa has appointed Rubén Vázquez as the organization’s first Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer.
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