Lisa J. Roberts has been named the executive director of the Kenai Peninsula United Way.

Roberts grew up in Soldotna and graduated from Kenai Central High School. She has raised three sons on the peninsula and spent 32 years in personal banking.

Her work with nonprofits and community organizations on the peninsula includes serving as both a board member and former president of the Soldotna Rotary Club, the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce, Hospice of the Central Peninsula and the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank. She also has served on the board of Junior Achievement Clubs.

“Kenai Peninsula United Way is very fortunate to have Lisa Roberts as our executive director,” said Joe Gallagher, president of the KPUW board of directors. “Her financial background along with her experience with several peninsula nonprofit agencies will be a huge asset. Most importantly, Lisa has a strong personal commitment to the United Way mission and will work hard to ensure the ongoing success of KPUW.”  

KPUW is made up of 27 member agencies throughout the peninsula. On the southern peninsula, member agencies include the Ninilchik Senior Center, the Anchor Point Senior Center, the Homer Senior Citizens Friendship Center, Sprout, Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic, Hospice of Homer, South Peninsula Haven House and the Homer program of Big Brothers-Big Sisters.

Other KPUW agencies with a presence on the southern peninsula include the American Red Cross, Cook Inlet Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, the Boys and Girls Club of the Kenai Peninsula, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Kenai Peninsula Youth Court.

During its most recent fund-raising campaign, KPUW raised $569,000 for its member agencies.