Hunt Harris, Chairman of the United Way of the Quad Cities Area Board of Directors, announced today that the organization will have a new President and Chief Professional Officer in place by mid-January. Scott Crane was chosen after an extensive search to lead the organization.

Crane currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Cass-Clay in Fargo, North Dakota. He brings to his new position 17 years of United Way experience, including 13 as a Chief Executive. In 2001, Crane began directing the initial transformation to focus United Way of Cass-Clay on measurable community change. In 2003 they were chosen to be one of the first 15 United Ways in the country to participate in the Impact Transformation Partnership with United Way of America.

"We are all very excited to have Scott join the team at United Way of the Quad Cities Area," stated Hunt Harris. "His unique experience with United Way is what we need to implement our community impact agenda and to continue to grow and prosper as an organization. Scott's many strengths and background coupled with the strong leadership of our existing staff will certainly drive our programs forward and bring many positive benefits to our community."

Interim President, Pete Pohlmann will stay in his current position until Crane arrives. Pohlmann served with several community leaders and board members on a search committee with the assistance of Dan Portes and Management Resource Group. "I am confident that we have found the best person for the job", commented Pohlmann. "We had some very strong candidates for the position, but we were all impressed with Scott's experience in moving an organization to be more focused on community impact, as well as his success with fund-raising initiatives. Our United Way has made great progress in this direction, and we knew it was important to find someone that not only had the same mindset, but would fit in well with the team and the community."

Prior to Cass-Clay, Crane served as Chief Executive of United Way of Anderson County in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and as Vice President and Director of Allocations and Planning for Sioux Empire United Way in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He is a South Dakota native and holds a bachelor's degree from South Dakota State University and a master's in business administration from Eastern New Mexico University. Scott and his wife have two children attending University of Nebraska. He currently serves on the boards of directors of Fargo-Moorhead Chamber of Commerce and Fargo-Moorhead Humane Society as well as the Healthy North Dakota Early Childhood Alliance Steering Committee and Healthy Communities Partnership Steering Committee.

"I am looking forward to this new opportunity," stated Crane. "United Way has been a great organization with wonderful community support in the Quad Cities. I am excited about building on the strong foundation that already exists."

A reception is being planned to welcome Scott and his family to the Quad Cities.