United Way of North Idaho seeks new executive director, shifts strategy

Rachel Peterson has resigned as executive director of the United Way of North Idaho after serving roughly a year, the organization announced today. Peterson began in December 2024 with 25 years of nonprofit experience and has taken a role at Heritage Health as director of People and Community Advancement, a move United Way leadership described as a natural fit.

“She has taken a position with Heritage Health and it basically uses the same talents she had with us in a different capacity,” United Way Board President Patt Richesin said. “We're excited for her. She’s very talented, and I think the other thing is, it’s the kind of work she likes to do.” Peterson confirmed the new title but did not respond to requests for further comment as of press time. “We’re glad she’s still in the community,” Richesin added. “She's a real asset.”

The departure comes as the United Way of North Idaho continues to navigate a broader environment of change for regional United Way affiliates. In July 2025 the United Way of Spokane County shut down after more than a century of operation, a development Richesin said contributed to sector uncertainty that has since eased. “A lot of that turmoil for 2025 related to United Way seems to have calmed down a bit,” she said.

Local leadership emphasized that the North Idaho affiliate is deliberately changing its role. “We’re thinking more strategically and tactically how best to get out of our previous role of being more of a fundraiser for other organizations,” Richesin said. “We've moved into being a collector, a collaborator. We're really looking at it much differently than we have in the past.” The organization now positions itself as a hinge for programming and coordination across Kootenai, Bonner, Shoshone and other North Idaho counties.

Part of that shift is Volunteer North Idaho, the nonprofit's volunteer-connection website, which lists roughly 70 agencies. Early Learning Coordinator Sara Welch said the site has broadened volunteer matches. "I have seen amazing connections with people saying well, I was looking for a volunteer opportunity and it was something as simple as wanting to read to a child. We’ve found some amazing volunteers through the website," she said.

United Way Worldwide is assisting the North Idaho board with a search for a new executive director, and the local board is prioritizing candidates with Idaho ties who understand the regional landscape. The annual income listed for the position is $95,000 to $105,000. The board has added four members recently to increase county representation and hopes new directors will “pave the way” for deeper partnerships in Bonner County and Shoshone.

For Kootenai County residents, the transition means vigilance and opportunity. Service continuity appears intact, but leadership change can shift priorities and partnerships. Donors, volunteers and partner agencies should watch the candidate search and engage with the volunteer portal to maintain momentum.

Our two cents? Keep volunteering, ask how your contributions will be used under the new strategy, and expect the United Way to keep acting as a connector rather than just a fundraiser as North Idaho nonprofits adapt.