Banta named president, CEO of United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties

Jennifer Banta United Way
Jennifer Banta has been named president and CEO of the United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties. CREDIT UNITED WAY

Jennifer Banta has been named as the new president and CEO of the United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties.

Ms. Banta began her duties Nov. 28, succeeding interim president and CEO Mary Westbrook.

“We are very excited to welcome Jennifer Banta band look forward to watching her vision come to life through her leadership at the United Way,” said Jacki Townsend, chair of the UWJWC Board of Directors.

Ms. Banta has built her life and career in the Iowa City area for 25 years. Known as a strong leader, she is passionate about the local community and all it has to offer.

Most recently, Ms. Banta was vice president of the Iowa City Area Business Partnership. She also works in advocacy and community development and leads the Johnson County Child Care Solutions Coalition; a collaborative effort to address access to high-quality, affordable childcare.

Her previous positions include Kirkwood Community College’s Workplace Learning Connection and the University of Iowa’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center.

In a news release, Ms. Banta said she is grateful and excited to work with a variety of stakeholders in the United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties.

“I am very excited to take this next step and lead the United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties,” Ms. Banta said. “I appreciate the trust that the board and the community has given me in leading such an important organization. I will focus on collaboration as we continue our work in strengthening our community.”

Founded in 1919, the United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties just celebrated its 100th year as the go-to place for social impact. United Way’s non-profits, businesses, donors, and volunteer partners continuously provide positive, measurable changes in the communities in which they work. Visit their Volunteer Center or make an undesignated financial gift of support at UnitedWayJWC.org, or call (319) 338-7823.