Wayne Rishell is a Chautauqua County native, having been born and raised in Jamestown. Before transferring to University of Virginia, Wayne started college at JCC. He returned to the area in 1994 after college and after having begun his career outside of the area. He has worked in both Public Accounting and various positions in manufacturing companies. He is now the current CEO and Co-Owner of Weber Knapp Company.Q: How long have you been involved with United Way of Chautauqua County?
A: I have lost track. I previously served two terms on the Board and am now in my third. I have been on the Finance Committee since the mid 2000's
A: I have lost track. I previously served two terms on the Board and am now in my third. I have been on the Finance Committee since the mid 2000's
Q: What inspired you to join the Board?
A: I was asked, just kidding. Involvement with the UW exposes me to people and organizations that I would otherwise be unfamiliar with.
A: I was asked, just kidding. Involvement with the UW exposes me to people and organizations that I would otherwise be unfamiliar with.
Q: What does United Way's mission mean to you personally?
A: The United Way's efforts help the community by lifting up those in need. I like how it holds programs accountable for the outcomes for which they requested funding. If they are not successful, the funding will move to others who will succeed.
A: The United Way's efforts help the community by lifting up those in need. I like how it holds programs accountable for the outcomes for which they requested funding. If they are not successful, the funding will move to others who will succeed.
Q: What's one of UWCHQ's impact areas that resonates most with you, and why?
A: Self Sufficiency is the area that resonates with me the most. I firmly believe that those who take ownership of their situation, even if they weren't truly at fault, have the best opportunity for improvement. If we all help someone up, we will have even more people who can help those who follow them.
A: Self Sufficiency is the area that resonates with me the most. I firmly believe that those who take ownership of their situation, even if they weren't truly at fault, have the best opportunity for improvement. If we all help someone up, we will have even more people who can help those who follow them.
Q: Can you share a moment or experience that has stood out to you during your time with United Way?
A: My experience has mostly been in the organization's financial management. What stands out to me is the entire allocation process. This is 100% a community based decision. Representatives of the donors decide where the funding goes. Funding is not automatic from year to year. The programs need to be effective.
A: My experience has mostly been in the organization's financial management. What stands out to me is the entire allocation process. This is 100% a community based decision. Representatives of the donors decide where the funding goes. Funding is not automatic from year to year. The programs need to be effective.
Q: Why do you believe United Way's work is so important for Chautauqua County?
A: We are generally a small rural county in New York State. Governments often ignore us. We can't rely on others to solve our problems. The private sector, including not-for-profits, is much better positioned to bring about change.
A: We are generally a small rural county in New York State. Governments often ignore us. We can't rely on others to solve our problems. The private sector, including not-for-profits, is much better positioned to bring about change.
Q: What do you enjoy most about serving on the Board?
A: Meeting people from all areas of the community. I have worked with folks that I wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet otherwise.
A: Meeting people from all areas of the community. I have worked with folks that I wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet otherwise.
Q: What's one thing you wish more people understood about United Way?
A: It is driven by the community. It is raising money that wouldn't support programs otherwise. Often people are critical of where the money goes, as if only a select few give it to only a select few programs. That is completely false and, frankly, seems to be used only as justification for not giving. Anyone in the community who wants to volunteer can work on the allocation process.
A: It is driven by the community. It is raising money that wouldn't support programs otherwise. Often people are critical of where the money goes, as if only a select few give it to only a select few programs. That is completely false and, frankly, seems to be used only as justification for not giving. Anyone in the community who wants to volunteer can work on the allocation process.
Q: Anything else you would like to say about United Way or our work in the community?
A: By supporting the United Way, you can significantly impact many aspects of the community. Furthermore, you can be assured that those receiving funding are held accountable for the proper use of the money.
A: By supporting the United Way, you can significantly impact many aspects of the community. Furthermore, you can be assured that those receiving funding are held accountable for the proper use of the money.