CEO of United Way of Eastern Iowa retiring Buntz has held job since 2005

CEDAR RAPIDS - Lois Buntz has announced she is retiring at the end of this year as CEO of United Way of East Central Iowa.

Buntz has led the non-profit since 2005.

'I think we've made significant progress in our impact area,” including improvements in education, family financial stability and health, Buntz said in a news release.

During her tenure, more than $110 million has been raised for programs in Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Jones and Linn counties.

During her tenure, Buntz focused on growing the organization's endowment to ensure it has the financial foundation to continue helping non-profits serve their communities.

'It's given me the opportunity to not only work with some passionate people who care about this community and making it better,” she said.

One of Buntz's key accomplishments came after the Flood of 2008, when United Way provided a hotline to assist those seeking information and help. She also led efforts to help flood families relocate.

Post-flood, Buntz assisted with the building of Human Services Campus, a building at 317 Seventh Ave. SE, that houses United Way and other non-profits.

Katie Mulholland, chairwoman of United Way's board, said Buntz's leadership 'has made a tremendous difference for the community.”

The United Way board of directors is working with the Hamilton group to find Buntz's successor and will be advertising the position nationally. The goal is to have the new CEO on board by Jan. 1.

Buntz said her retirement plans include spending more time with her family and pursuing other interests, while staying involved in the community.