United Way Northwest Indiana Appoints Kimberly Smith as Vice President, Community Impact

Veteran nonprofit leader to oversee community investments, partnerships, and initiatives that improve lives across Northwest Indiana
Valparaiso, Indiana – December 1, 2025 – United Way Northwest Indiana announced today that Kimberly D. Smith has been appointed Vice President, Community Impact, a key leadership role responsible for guiding the organization’s strategies, investments, and partnerships to improve the health, education, and financial stability of residents across the Region.
In this role, Smith will lead United Way Northwest Indiana’s community impact agenda, including the development and management of strategic initiatives, grantmaking and community investments, cross-sector collaborations, and data-informed approaches to addressing the root causes of local challenges. She will oversee a portfolio of programs and partnerships aimed at removing barriers for families, strengthening nonprofit capacity, and advancing long-term, measurable change.
“Kimberly brings a rare combination of deep nonprofit experience, strong community relationships, and a genuine passion for helping families thrive,” said Chris White President & CEO of United Way Northwest Indiana. “Her track record in early childhood, mental health, and family support aligns perfectly with our mission. We are thrilled to welcome her to our leadership team and excited for the impact she will help drive across Northwest Indiana.”
Smith joins United Way Northwest Indiana with decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and family-focused services. She has spent much of her career working at the intersection of early childhood education, mental health, and parent support—helping families overcome barriers and access the resources they need to succeed.
Prior to joining United Way, Smith served in leadership roles as Executive Director of Early Learning Partnership of Northwest Indiana, where she led efforts to implement Parents as Teachers in Lake County, and to expand early childhood initiatives, parent education, and family engagement programs throughout the region. Later Smith served as Vice President of Operations with Mental Health America of Northwest Indiana following an organizational merger. In addition, Smith has worked as a national trainer for Parents as Teachers, equipping professionals across the country to better support parents and young children. 
Her leadership and community impact have been recognized through numerous honors, including being named a “Leaders as Heroes” award recipient by the South Shore Leadership Center, celebrating unsung leaders who drive meaningful change in Northwest Indiana. 
“I am honored to step into this role at United Way Northwest Indiana,” said Kimberly Smith. “I’ve spent my career walking alongside families and community partners, and I’ve seen firsthand the difference we can make when we come together to remove barriers and open doors. United Way is uniquely positioned to convene, invest, and collaborate in ways that change systems and change lives. I’m excited to build on that foundation with this incredible team and our partners throughout the Region.”
As Vice President, Community Impact, Smith will:

• Lead United Way’s community impact strategy, ensuring that investments and initiatives are aligned with local needs and produce measurable results.
• Oversee grantmaking and community investments, including funding for partner agencies, initiatives like Level Up, and other programs that support families’ financial stability, educational success, and overall well-being.
• Build and strengthen cross-sector partnerships with nonprofits, schools, businesses, government, and community leaders to address complex community issues collaboratively.
• Guide the use of data and evaluation to track outcomes, demonstrate impact to donors and stakeholders, and inform continuous improvement.
• Support community engagement and storytelling, elevating the voices and experiences of the individuals and families United Way serves.