Searles has a background in both nonprofit and for-profit fields, most recently in her role as Executive Director of the White Bear Area Emergency Food Shelf, where she was responsible for fundraising, operations management and volunteer recruitment. She is also an active volunteer, serving in leadership roles with several organizations in Washington County, where she resides.

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United Way St. Croix Valley welcomes new members to its Board of Directors this month: Michael Gruenes of Securian and Todd Sherman of US Bank. In addition, Cynthia Jahnke of Sandeen Insurance will be moving into the Board President position and Ann Schilling will be Vice President. For the full Board of Directors list click here.

Pictured above: Board President Cynthia Jahnke

In April, Xcel Energy presented a donation of $70,787 to United Way St. Croix Valley Executive Director Ann Searles. Also present were representatives from United Way partner agency Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin.

United Way is a key partner in Xcel Energy's efforts to build stronger communities and every dollar contributed by employees and retirees is matched 100 percent by Xcel Energy. This year's local United Way campaign is up 15.7% from the prior year.

Pictured left to right: Brian Elwood, Community Relations Manager, Xcel Energy; Ann Searles, Executive Director, United Way St. Croix Valley; Heidi Herron, SCV Regional Director of Community Relations, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin; Amy Bast, Board Member, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin.