It’s Official. Chris Sargent Heads up Local United Way.

The United Way has named its new local leader. He's been the local leader since last Fall, but now its official.   Chris Sargent will be the President and Chief Executive Officer for United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region.  The 42 year old Battle Creek resident has served in those roles since  Mike Larson left.

Sargent has nearly two decades of nonprofit leadership, including multiple roles with United Way. The announcement concludes a five-month, nationwide executive search led by a volunteer committee of the local United Way board and involving many community members.

Board Chairman Erick Stewart said the board conducted the search out of its responsibility to the region to select the best long-term leader.  He says they had more than 60 strong candidates from across the country apply.

“The fact that Chris outshone them all proves that homegrown leaders can meet and exceed the talents of anyone in the nation.”