United Way leader steps down

Caryl Johnston is stepping down as the executive director of United Way after eight years to be the next director of the North Idaho Rural Health Consortium.

"We're very excited to have Caryl joining us as the director of the NIRHC," said Gary Moore, NIRHC board chair and CEO of Shoshone Medical Center.

"I look forward to working with her to increase communications between health care organizations in the five northern counties and continue to improve the care available to our residents."

Johnston will leave United Way on March 14. However, she will continue to support the United Way board while it searches for a replacement.

"It has been my privilege to work in my role as executive director with the United Way of Kootenai County," Johnston said.

"The success of the organization does not rest on one person, and I want to thank the United Way board of directors, volunteers, partner agencies and business partners in the community for their support in helping to improve people's lives in our community. I will continue to support the efforts of the United Way."

In her new role, Johnston will help develop programs and grant resources to enhance the health of people in rural North Idaho communities.

Sarah Garcia, United Way board president, expressed her sadness to see Johnston leave United Way but is happy for her new opportunity to make a difference in a new, but related way.

"It is under her leadership and guidance that we have been able to move United Way from the traditional pass-through model to the current best practice model based on impact," Garcia said.

"I hope the community will join me in thanking Caryl for all that she has done for the United Way of Kootenai County. She leaves this organization in a very strong position from which it can continue to move forward and make progress on improving the lives in our community."