About UsOur United Way.
OUR MISSION:
“We are UNITED in improving health, education and financial stability as a WAY to strengthen the Upper Ohio Valley.”
OUR WORK
The United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley raises money through an annual campaign comprised of special events and fundraisers, employee payroll deduction campaigns, and corporate partnerships. The support from the annual campaign combines donations from community-minded people and businesses that is then allocated out to nonprofit programs through our volunteer allocations panels.
WHO WE SERVE
We serve 25 partner agencies in Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, and Tyler Counties in West Virginia and Belmont County, Ohio. Funds raised through the annual campaign benefit critical needs in the region including youth programs, food assistance, mental health resources, and emergency support.
OUR COUNTIES
our history
The history of the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley began in 1918 with the creation of the Community War Chest, the region’s first coordinated charitable fundraising effort. Organized at the request of the local Chamber of Commerce, seven organizations joined together to raise funds through a single campaign rather than competing individually. The effort reflected a growing national movement to unite communities around shared charitable giving.
In 1931, the organization formally became the Community Chest, focusing on addressing local needs during the Great Depression, including unemployment and emergency assistance. Through annual campaigns, community leaders and volunteers helped support programs providing healthcare, children’s services, poverty assistance, and relief efforts.
As charitable giving evolved after World War II, the organization transitioned into a United Fund, expanding workplace campaigns and introducing payroll deduction programs that made giving easier and more accessible.
In 1964, the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley was officially established, joining the national United Way movement and continuing its mission of bringing people together to improve lives.
Over the decades, the organization expanded its regional impact through workplace campaigns, volunteer initiatives, and partnerships with local nonprofits. Today, United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley serves communities across West Virginia and Ohio, investing in programs that support youth opportunity, financial security, healthy communities, and community resiliency.
More than a century after its beginnings, the organization continues its mission of mobilizing the caring power of the community to create lasting change across the Upper Ohio Valley.
our people
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Staci Stephen
Staci Stephen has been an active member of her community since 2001, when she moved back to the Ohio Valley from Columbus, Ohio. She is excited to be turning that community focus toward the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley. With a passion for service in the Ohio Valley, Staci carries the values of hard work, integrity, and outstanding client services into everything she does. Staci has served in the nonprofit world for the past 17 years where she started her nonprofit career at the Augusta Levy Learning Center in 2006. She remained at the Levy Center until this past June when she accepted the Director of Development position at Youth Services System, Inc. Staci has always had a passion for helping others and enjoys volunteering as much as possible for other nonprofits in the Ohio Valley. She is a graduate of Marietta College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Allied Health and a graduate of Hondros College of Real Estate. Staci was the race director of COLOR ME AU-SOME 5K, one of Augusta Levy’s biggest fundraisers. She was named to the The State Journal’s Generation Next: Top 40 under 40 in West Virginia in 2015. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Wheeling and OV Connect, is a member of Rotary of St. Clairsville, and is a graduate of the 2017 Leadership Wheeling class. In her free time, Staci is a realtor for Carol Goff & Associates. She currently resides in St. Clairsville with her partner, Gary and their three-legged AussieDoodle, Lucky.
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Madison Seavy
Maddi grew up in Wheeling and has always wanted to live in the valley and start her life here. She attended Central Catholic High school and graduated in 2016. She is a recent graduate of West Virginia University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing with an area of emphasis in digital marketing promotions.
At WVU, she was a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity, and the women’s club basketball team. The last two summers she interned with the Civic Leaders Internship Program at the CFOV. She was placed to work with the Wheeling Nailers and at the Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“On top of the program giving me real world experience that I cannot get from a classroom; the Civic Leaders Internship Program has shown me how the Ohio Valley is continuously growing and the efforts put forth to make that happen. This program has made me even more eager to return to the place I call home and aid in making Wheeling a city where people and businesses thrive. I was attracted to the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley because of my background in community service. I instantly fell in love with their mission and values. I just knew I had to get this position because it was everything I could have ever asked for. I am thrilled to be in a position doing what I love and using my skills to help people and my community”, said Maddi.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Laurie Conway
Laurie started her career in her ‘dream job’ working at WTRF-TV where she served as a reporter and anchor for more than eight years. She has done marketing in both corporate and nonprofit organizations and served the business community as Director of Marketing and Communications for the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce while freelance writing for Weelunk and InWheeling Magazine.
Her collective experiences have taught her how to listen closely and with empathy, think quickly, and build trust in the community.
Laurie received The State Journal’s Generation Next: 40 Under 40 in West Virginia in 2024, and was invited back to her alma mater, Bethany College, to be a panelist during the Ann Wilkin Trombadore Women & Leadership Symposium in 2025.
Laurie and her husband Josh reside in Glen Dale with their dogs Wrigley and Rudy.
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Jane Dombroski
Jane has dedicated more than 34 years to serving her community through leadership, volunteerism, and nonprofit engagement. Her professional career reflects the same commitment to service and impact.
She previously served as Northern Division Community Coordinator for the March of Dimes, where she coordinated four WalkAmerica events, recruited volunteers and corporate teams, and helped raise critical funds to support healthy pregnancies and reduce infant mortality.
Jane later joined WTRF as Promotions Coordinator, overseeing marketing and promotional campaigns while building strategic partnerships between businesses and local nonprofits. Her work expanded community outreach, increased nonprofit visibility, and strengthened audience engagement through cause-marketing initiatives and event coordination.
At Riesbeck Food Markets, Inc., Jane served as Consumer Advocate and Store Events Coordinator, enhancing customer engagement through educational programming, health-conscious initiatives, and community-focused events. She also played a key role in launching store-made products and expanding the company’s natural and organic departments. Among her favorite experiences were organizing Plaza West Fest and supporting breast cancer coalition fundraising efforts that benefited local nonprofits and community services.
Jane also served as Administrative Assistant to the Director of Development at Youth Services Systems and further expanded her leadership experience through the Wheeling Chamber Leadership Class of 2017. She is a member of Weirton Heights Rotary.
Jane and her husband, Don, are proud grandparents of Rosie and Barrett, a role they cherish deeply.
President – Ryan Rotilio
A lifelong resident of the Ohio Valley, Ryan graduated from St. John Central High School in 2000. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from West Liberty State College in 2004, followed by an MBA from Wheeling Jesuit University in 2018.
A licensed CPA, Ryan began his career with the accounting firm S.R. Snodgrass. He has since held a variety of financial leadership roles with organizations throughout the region, including TROY Group and Main Street Bank in Wheeling. He currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union in New Martinsville.
Deeply committed to giving back, Ryan is proud to serve as President of the Board of Directors for the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley. He also serves on the Board of Faith in Action Caregivers and volunteers with several other local organizations, including Catholic Charities of West Virginia and St. Michael Parish. Ryan has also volunteered as a coach for youth football, tee-ball, softball, and basketball.
Ryan lives in Morristown and is the proud “girl dad” to three amazing daughters — Ryah, Bella, and Ceci. In his free time, he enjoys live music and is an avid sports fan.
Our People2025-2026 Board of Directors
President
Ryan RotilioVice President
Emily ShortallSecretary
Chris HortertTreasurer
Amanda BrownMembers
Ryan Rotilio, President
Emily Shortall, Vice President
Chris Hortert, Secretary
Amanda Brown, Treasurer
Megan Ball
Carla Bell
Craig Bommer
Sharon Campbell
Katie Coffield
Jeff Emerick
Rhonda Haley
Jacob Keeney
Jeff Massey
Susan Fox-Nolte
Brandon Palmeri
Stephanie Paluda
David Robbins
Melissa Sadlowski
Nick Sparachane
Melinda Thompson
Tony Viola
William J. Wagner
Samantha Walters