Collins

A new face will soon be seen in the office of the Marshalltown Area United Way.

The board of directors approved hiring Debbie Collins as the new executive director, taking the place of Kendra Sorensen. The announcement of Collins’ hiring was made Monday after a six to seven week-long process.

She brings more than 20 years of nonprofit, community advocacy, education and public health leadership. Since June 2021, Collins was the director of victim services for Western Illinois Regional Council & Community Action Agency (WIRC) and for more than nine years, was a health science adjunct instructor at Spoon River College in Canton, Ill.

The WIRC covers many western Illinois counties, but is headquartered in Macomb, Ill. The nonprofit helps people in need, provides community development services and recycles programs to help the environment.

Before Collins’ time at Spoon River, she worked as a health science adjunct instructor for Western Illinois University for three years, and one year as an associate professor at Lake Land College. She earned a master’s degree in public health from Western Illinois in 2012.

“I am energized by bringing people together around a shared purpose — whether strengthening local programs, supporting community initiatives, or making a lasting impact,” Collins added. “As I relocate from Macomb, Ill. to Marshalltown, I’m excited to get to know the community, build connections, and become actively involved.”

Sorensen announced her departure at the beginning of February and wrapped up her time at the helm of the MAUW on Feb. 25 after five years.