MONROE, LA (February 28, 2025) — United Way of Northeast Louisiana (UWNELA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kim Lowery as its new President & CEO, effective April 1, 2025. Lowery succeeds Janet S. Durden, who will retire on March 31, 2025, after over 40 years of exceptional leadership and service to the community.
Lowery, an adaptable and solution-focused nonprofit executive, brings over 14 years of experience advancing community impact, resource development, and organizational excellence at UWNELA. As UWNELA’s Vice President of Community and Organizational Strategy since 2022, she has played a pivotal role in expanding financial stability initiatives, establishing cross-sector partnerships, and enhancing operational efficiency. Her strategic leadership has consistently aligned with UWNELA’s mission to improve education, financial stability, and health outcomes throughout Northeast Louisiana.
Ashley West (Progressive Bank), UWNELA’s Board Chair, expressed confidence in Lowery's leadership, stating, "Kim's visionary approach, proven strategic planning, and deep commitment to our community make her the ideal next leader for UWNELA. Her passion for innovative solutions and her dedication to driving lasting change will undoubtedly lead the organization to new heights of community impact."
Lowery's extensive experience, combined with her success in securing over $2 million in new resources through strategic partnerships, has optimized service delivery for more than 58,000 individuals annually across Northeast Louisiana. Her collaborative leadership and mission-driven strategy have also been instrumental in advancing the Louisiana 211 statewide network, positioning UWNELA’s 211 call center to respond to over 500,000 help seekers in the past five years.
Janet S. Durden, current President of UWNELA, commented on her successor, saying, "Kim Lowery is a dynamic and compassionate leader whose dedication to our mission is unmatched. Her innovative mindset, strategic execution, and unwavering passion for service make her the perfect choice to lead UWNELA into the future. I have complete confidence in her ability to inspire positive change and continue our legacy of helping people and improving our community."
This leadership transition follows a national CEO search, led by a volunteer selection committee and UWNELA’s Board Chair, as detailed in the announcement of Durden's retirement in January.
Lowery, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work graduate from the University of Louisiana Monroe, is also a United Way Worldwide Advanced Leadership Graduate with extensive board service, including the HOME Coalition of Northeast Louisiana, Youth Services Planning Board, and the ULM Alumni Association Board. As a Northeast Louisiana native, her deep-rooted commitment to the region and her strategic vision for community advancement uniquely position her to lead UWNELA in its next chapter.
"I am truly honored and excited to lead United Way of Northeast Louisiana, an organization that is deeply committed to transforming lives and strengthening our community," said Lowery. "I am inspired by the incredible legacy Janet has built and am committed to continuing our mission of making a positive and lasting impact. Together, we will create pathways to opportunity and ensure a brighter future for all in Northeast Louisiana."
Lowery will be formally recognized as the incoming President & CEO at UWNELA’s upcoming Celebrating Excellence events. Additionally, Durden will deliver the keynote address at both events, reflecting on her remarkable 40-year journey with United Way of Northeast Louisiana and sharing her vision for the community’s continued growth and impact. The events will be held on Wednesday, March 5th in Monroe and Thursday, March 6th in Ruston. All are welcome to register at unitedwaynela.org/celebratingexcellence.