UWYC Hires New President and CEO

We're excited to begin a new chapter at United Way of Yellowstone County and welcome Andrew Konkel as our new President and CEO! 

Andrew has a track record of dynamic work with United Way, having most recently served as Vice President of Resource Development for United Way of the Coastal Empire in Savanah, GA. He also held several roles with United Way Fox Cities in Wisconsin, and has experience working in education, program administration, and fundraising. Andrew began work in Billings on May 27 after a national search to replace outgoing leader Kim Lewis. 

“I’m excited to build on the recent success at United Way of Yellowstone County and to immerse myself in the community,” Andrew said. “I’m honored to have this opportunity and look forward to collaborating with both UWYC’s current partners and future community leaders who will help drive our shared vision forward.”

A record of success

• In Georgia, Andrew led a $7 million campaign, increasing donations from the previous year. 

• In Wisconsin, he built new relationships with businesses and managed the development team and other volunteers. 

• As a second-grade teacher, his ability to connect with students and get them to open up about life outside the classroom kindled a passion for non-profit work that tackles societal challenges. 

“I’m very passionate about meeting community needs,” Andrew said. “I’m eager to guide our big-picture efforts, and I find great fulfillment in witnessing the individual success stories that these efforts create, ultimately improving lives and making a lasting impact on our community.”

A community leader

Andrew has also volunteered on business and government committees; he chaired Wisconsin’s State Superintendent Advisory Council for Deaf & Hard of Hearing, served on the Fox Cities Chamber Leadership Fox Cities Alumni Association Board, and served on the Heckrodt Wetland Reserve Board of Directors, among others. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and he possesses numerous professional certifications in nonprofit management and community engagement practices.

“We’re thrilled to have attracted a leader of Andrew’s caliber,” said Board of Directors chair-elect Eric Owen, who led a national search that evaluated dozens of candidates. “He is poised to take UWYC to new heights while continuing our legacy of community impact, partnerships, and delivery of safe, affordable and quality before and after school programming.”

Andrew replaces Kim Lewis, who served as president and CEO since 2020. Lewis, who is retiring from UWYC, will be part of the leadership transition until early June.