(l to r) Francis Ellert, 2009 United Way Campaign Chair, and Melissa Owen, 2009 United Way Campaign Vice-Chair.

2009 Campaign Vice-Chair and Goal Announced

07/16/09 -- Francis Ellert, 2009 Campaign Chair for the United Way of Marshall County, announces the appointment of Melissa Owen as the Campaign Vice-Chair for 2009. In accepting the position, Melissa will become the Campaign Chairman in 2010. In announcing the appointment Francis Ellert stated he was pleased that Melissa accepted the position and was looking forward to working with her. “She is an excellent leader and a very visible member of the community. She brings many new ideas and energy to the table,” said Ellert.

In addition, Francis also announced the 2009 Campaign Goal of $375,000 at a meeting with his campaign cabin cabinet today. “We felt that $375,000 is an achievable goal in the current economic climate,” Ellert said.

Melissa Owen graduated from South Central High School in 1991. She earned a B.S. in Communication and Marketing from Saint Joseph College in 1995. She was introduced to Marshall County in the early 80’s when her father was transferred to the Plymouth NIPSCO location. One of 12 children and the daughter of a man who taught his family to help others even if it meant they went without, Melissa has learned the importance of giving back. She has been the Branch Manager at National City Bank in Plymouth, Indiana since 2004.

Both Ellert and Owen are graduates of Leadership Marshall County. Owen is a member of Delta Theta Tau and Plymouth Rotary Club, and serves on the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center Plymouth Campus Development Committee. In addition, Owen chaired the 2009 Rotary Golf Outing and the 2009 Saint Joseph Regional Health Center Gala Event. Melissa resides in Plymouth with her husband, Mark, and their two children, Travis and Kelsey.

Owen was pleased to accept the position. “The economic instability experienced in today’s world only increases the importance of reaching out to those facing hardship,” she said. “Charity looks at the need, and not the cause or circumstance. I am honored to work with Francis, his team, and the citizens of Marshall County in a joint effort to help our community flourish.”