United Way of Delaware County Names Casey Stanley As 2017 Annual Campaign Chair

Casey Stanley. Photo provided.Casey Stanley. Photo provided.

By: Juli Metzger—

Muncie native will become first third-generation chair, seventh from Ontario family of companies

Muncie, INCasey Stanley, a lifelong Muncie resident, was named the 2017 campaign chair for United Way of Delaware County, the first time in the organization’s 92-year history to appoint a third-generation chair.

As the Vice President of Products & Marketing for Ontario Systems in Muncie, Stanley is the seventh chair to be employed by this family of companies, which has produced more UWDC campaign chairs than any other employer. Stanley’s grandfather chaired the campaign in 1957, and his father led the effort in 1995. Other representatives from Ontario to serve in the leadership role are Van Smith in 1966, Eugene Amlin in 1971, Bob Holt in 1981, Mike Cox in 1988, and Ron Fauquher in 2001.

United Way’s focus is laser-sharp: By 2024, improve grade-level reading performance among third-graders, a known indicator for future success. Already, UWDC has moved the needle. Delaware County was one of just 15 communities out of 240 across the country recognized in 2016 for showing significant improvement in third grade reading scores. Educational attainment is known to have a direct effect on conquering generational poverty. When children are reading at grade level by third grade, studies show there is a greater likelihood of success.

“I’m proud to work alongside Casey in exceeding our goals in this year’s campaign,” said Chris Caldwell, Chairman of UWDC’s Board and Senior Vice President, Manager of Commercial and Business Banking at MutualBank. “He is the right person to help us achieve this.”

A graduate of Miami (Ohio) University, Stanley is also on the Indiana State Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Muncie Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County Finance Committee. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Delaware County, where he was the 2007 Indiana Association of United Way’s Volunteer of the Year, and as a member of the Yorktown Junior Athletic Association.

“As a lifelong native of Muncie and Delaware County, I am aware how our entire community has pooled its resources to help so many in need through United Way,” Stanley said. “As I think about the people who have served our community this way before me, not only do I think about my grandfather and father, but I think of many of my other community heroes. There’s rich history, incredible philanthropy, and tireless service in names like Sursa, Smith, Maxon, Fauquher, Heeter, Anderson, Kinghorn, and so many more. These are the professionals who built and sustained our community for so long. To be able to follow in their footsteps is an honor. I hope to have half as much impact as they did.”

Stanley drew praise for his leadership role.

“We at Ontario Systems could not be more proud to have Casey Stanley be the seventh United Way Campaign Chair from the Ontario Corporation group of families over the years,” said Ron Fauquher, President and CEO of Ontario Systems and 2001 Campaign Chair. “He is already in motion and has assembled an incredible campaign cabinet, has engaged past chairs, and is organizing the calling to reach as many community citizens as possible. We are pleased to support him in what we know will be an important and successful campaign.”

“I want us to not only step up to immediate and crucial needs, but find a way to change the long-term trajectory of this community to ensure the children around us have more opportunity,” Stanley said. “United Way has a plan to end generational poverty here. It’s bold, but tested and proven. If this team can challenge every single person in our community to be even more generous, we can light a fire that changes this place for generations.”

For more information on United Way of Delaware County’s campaign to end generational poverty, visit InvitedToLiveUnited.org/campaign.

Listen to Steve Lindell’s informative interview with Casey below.

 

About United Way of Delaware County

United Way of Delaware County, Indiana engages the community to improve lives by focusing resources on education, health, and financial stability. The nonprofit fights to create lasting change in community conditions. As the sponsoring organization for the community’s Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, United Way works to help children read at or above grade level by the end of their third-grade year. It is during this critical time that children transition from learning how to read, into readers who learn from what they have read. United Way strategically invests in local programs that provide services that contribute to children’s success with reading and ultimately aim to end generational poverty in Delaware County. Learn more at www.InvitedToLiveUnited.org.