MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—In a unique and collaborative transition for the regional nonprofit community, Marion Matters, Inc. and United Way of North Central Ohio are jointly announcing that Natalie Longmeier, the current Executive Director of Marion Matters, is stepping down from her role to become the new Chief Executive Officer of United Way of North Central Ohio.

The transition represents a natural evolution of leadership within the local nonprofit sector, ensuring that Longmeier’s deep expertise in community impact and advocacy remains a driving force for local progress.

During her tenure at Marion Matters, Longmeier was integral in expanding the North Central Ohio ERN® (Employer Resource Network) in Marion, Morrow, Crawford, and Richland counties. The ERN improves employee retention and productivity by providing Success Coaches who work onsite to help employees with accessing community resources and removing barriers to success, like financial debt, transportation, and childcare. Eighteen employers in the region are currently served by North Central Ohio ERN® and reported a 588% return on investment in 2025.

Also under Longmeier’s leadership, Marion Matters solidified its position as the premier poverty-reduction education resource in Marion County and expanded the reach of self-sufficiency and financial stability programming in the region, launching Crawford Matters and Morrow Matters in 2026.

“While we will obviously miss Natalie’s leadership, our organization sees this as a win for the communities that Marion Matter serves,” said Marion Matters Board President Ben Albright. “Natalie has led us into sustained growth and expansion to new areas, and we know United Way of North Central Ohio will be poised to see similar results under her leadership. While this is bittersweet for us, we know we will continue to collaborate with Natalie on a regular basis for the areas we serve.”

Marion Matters has initiated a succession planning process and interim leadership plan, and the search for Longmeier’s successor will begin immediately.

“There are definitely mixed emotions. I am grateful for the seven plus years I’ve spent at Marion Matters helping residents create self-sufficiency, and I’m so proud of the impact our staff, board, and supporters have had in the community,” Longmeier said. “But I’m very excited to rejoin the team at United Way and to use the skills and knowledge I’ve developed in the nonprofit sector over the last thirteen years to help lead them in this next phase of leadership, growth, and development.”

United Way of North Central Ohio’s Board of Directors selected Longmeier following a comprehensive search for a leader who could build upon United Way’s legacy in the region while guiding its future growth and community impact.

“We are delighted to welcome Natalie as our next Chief Executive Officer,” said Erica Kaple, Board President of United Way of North Central Ohio. “She has a proven track record of visionary leadership, transparent communication, and an unwavering commitment to our community’s well-being. As a longtime partner – and former team member – of United Way, she has intimate knowledge of our organization’s structure and processes, especially Results-Based Accountability and collective impact.”

A Timeline for Transition

“We’re committed to working closely with Marion Matters throughout the transition period to ensure a handover that maintains uninterrupted support for the communities and stakeholders we both serve,” Kaple said.

Beginning May 15, Longmeier will split her time between Marion Matters and UWNCO and will begin a comprehensive onboarding process at the latter organization. Outgoing UWNCO CEO Amber Wertman will remain in her position during onboarding.

Longmeier will continue to support Marion Matters through two upcoming events:

· Marion Matters Mad Dash on June 12, part competition, part community exploration; and

· America 250 Neighborhood Block Party on June 13, a celebration of Marion’s West Side hosted by Marion Matters and Peace and Freedom Committee.

Learn more about these events at marionmatters.org.

On June 15, Longmeier will join the United Way team full-time as Chief Executive Officer, working in tandem with Wertman through June 30.

“I believe United Way of North Central Ohio has a continued opportunity to lead strategic collective impact efforts by convening community partners across counties and throughout the region. I’m eager to help United Way drive measurable change in support of long-term stability for everyone who lives in every community in our region,” said Longmeier.

About Marion Matters, Inc.

Marion Matters, Inc. provides leadership, skills, and training in developing sustainable pathways out of instability through education, support, and coaching in the north central Ohio region. Learn more at marionmatters.org.

About UWNCO

United Way of North Central Ohio brings people, organizations, and resources together to create solutions that improve the lives of every person in every community in our region. Learn more at unitedwaynco.org