Black brings business acumen, passion for volunteerism to new role at helm of United Way
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
They say that as one door closes, another one opens – frequently offering a better vantage point, an opportunity for further development of one’s self or one that allows an individual to further enjoy one of their passions. 
Such is the case for the Whitley County United Way’s new executive director, John Black. Black officially stepped into the role this month, but is no stranger to the United Way or Whitley County.
With a career in industry that has spanned 35 years with the Dana Corporation in Indiana, Utah and Tennessee, it became apparent earlier this year that his life’s path was about to change. Black had been employed as the plant manage of Mahle Clevite in Churubusco and as business there began to wind down with the plant’s closure, he began to look forward to what else he might do.
A long-time volunteer, Black’s passion for non-profits and commitment to make Whitley County a better community has always been important to him. He has served on the Whitley County United Way for several years, most recently as chairman of the industry committee. In 2007, he was honored as the Whitley County Volunteer of the Year. His mark on the community can be seen in many places, including an impressive playground he and staff from Mahle Clevite built during the 2008 Whitley County United Way Day of Caring. His impact can also be seen in the lives of students he’s met as a Junior Achievement volunteer at Smith-Green Community Schools.
So in a lot of ways, it was no surprise that he is now taking his business acumen, combining it with his love of non-profits and this community – and leading the United Way organization forward in Whitley County.
Black is quite familiar with what the job entails as he has been working behind the scenes of the organization for the past several months, providing volunteer assistance and advocacy during the nearly two year absence of an executive director.
He admits he’s still got a lot to learn about the organization, but he’s excited and optimistic about the future as well.
The United Way of Whitley County assists in funding 15 local agencies, including: American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boy Scouts, BABE, CASA, Churubusco Child Care Center, Interfaith Mission’s The Lighthouse, Imagination Library, Junior Achievement, Passages Inc., Salvation Army, Whitley County Council on Aging, Whitley County Energy Assistance, Whitley County Literacy Council, and YWCA Domestic Violence Services.
Black and his wife, Jennifer, have been married 33 years. They have one daughter, Laura, who is a student at IU Medical Center. The Blacks are looking forward to her wedding next summer.
To learn more about the United Way of Whitley County, contact John Black at 244-6454 or email him at uwwc@whitleynet.org