United Way of Central Kansas Announces New Executive Director

The United Way of Central Kansas is excited to announce that Gaila (Nielsen) Demel from Ellinwood will be the new Executive Director for UWCK. Gaila has been involved with the Ellinwood community for more than 40 years and was inspired by the opportunities and involvement she had with UWCK as a United Way Agency in her previous position with ElderCare, Inc. Gaila quickly developed a deep passion for the charitable work and mission of her fellow not-for-profit partner agencies in her time with ElderCare and the partnership between the agencies UWCK supports. Her 24 year career path in helping others ranges from sales and operations for a large Assisted Living provider to the front desk at the Ellinwood Grade School. “It is my nature to help people find answers and to work hard to meet goals.”

Gaila has worked on various projects with the United Way Central Kansas including Stuff the Bus, Boxes of Love, and accompanied the Executive Director on numerous payroll campaign presentations for the last two years. “These are big shoes to fill and I’m so humbled by this opportunity. The organization of the day-to-day duties is ready and waiting for the start up with a new campaign, this is just a great time to begin this journey”.

Ms. Demel is a current City of Ellinwood Council Member, a Great Bend Chamber Ambassador as well as a member of the Board of Directors and a Board Member of Housing Opportunities, Inc.

Recently married, Gaila and her husband, Maurice reside in Ellinwood and enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening and day trips throughout Kansas.

Gaila will officially begin her duties with United Way of Central Kansas on June 1st. "We want to welcome Gaila with open arms. Her leadership, passion, and life experiences made her the ideal choice to take over our United Way." Desa Marmie-Behr, United Way Board President.