RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The United Way of Southern West Virginia (USWV) has named Trena Dacal as its new executive director, following outgoing Executive Director Megan Legurksy’s resignation earlier this month.
Dacal- who has a 10-year relationship with United Way, previously serving as a volunteer, Board Chairman and Vice-Chair of Administration for the organization- will officially step into her new position on Jan. 4.
“I’m excited about just stepping in and getting a grip on the role,” Dacal shared, adding that she is excited for her day-to-day role with the organization.
The executive directors’ main duties include fundraising and supporting partner agencies by offering them resources, media contacts and social media attention.
Dacal, who was on the committee that hired Legurksy and the organization’s current financial administrator and has worked with the nonprofit’s past three executive directors, feels prepared for the new role considering his history with United Way.
“I didn’t know much about United Way when I started volunteering, but what really hooked me is that it’s local. The dollars that are given to the United Way of Southern West Virginia remain local. I feel honored to be counted among these people. I have learned from all of them, and I have learned a lot over these years.”
The new executive director shared some of her goals, stating that she wants to find new and unique ways to fundraise safely, continue to focus on the state’s opioid crisis and those affected by it, and support the organization’s partner agencies.
Although Legurky is stepping down to spend more time with her family, she plans to still be very involved with the United Way community and gave Dacal her full support.
“Trena has been one of my rocks during this year,” said Legusrky. “We have faced so much together alongside our board and our staff. She has been just a pillar of knowledge for our United Way and an institutional knowledge behind this organization. She has so much more experience than almost anyone I’ve talked to in our community over the past year, and I think she’ll be great in this role.”
Dacal was approached by the organization’s executive committee, who offered her the role following Legurky’s resignation
“I really look forward to this.I just want to thank the community for being there, and I hope we can continue to be there for them. As we have seen increased needs through the pandemic, we have relied on our website, as well as our events for incoming funds. People can visit unitedswv.org always to donate, as well as calling the office at 304-252-2111.”