United Way names new board president

SANDPOINT — Kristine Miller's two-year term began Wednesday, July 1, at the start of the nonprofit's 2026-27 fiscal year. 

Miller, a longtime Coeur d'Alene resident who serves as a senior communications and marketing leader at Gonzaga University in Spokane, has been on the UWNI board since 2023. She succeeds Patt Richesin of Athol, who will remain as past president for one year and depart after her six-year board commitment concludes. UWNI board president terms last two years.

UWNI serves the five North Idaho counties: Bonner, Kootenai, Boundary, Shoshone and Benewah counties.

Miller came to know UWNI as a reliable resource through previous work at a local nonprofit. Volunteering and serving on other nonprofit boards inspired her to learn more about how UWNI impacts the community via a wide breadth of support. Her primary goal as president will be to deepen community impact by strengthening partnerships and expanding awareness of United Way's work.

“I want to continue building momentum, ensuring that donors, volunteers and partners clearly see how their support translates into real outcomes,” Miller said.

Miller said she has always been drawn to organizations that create real, measurable impact in the communities they serve, and United Way does exactly that. As a communications and marketing professional, she has focused on strengthening connections between United Way and the broader nonprofit and business communities during her time on the board.

“I've enjoyed contributing a more strategic communications lens in my work on the Resource Development Committee, and I've aimed to build a deeper understanding among board members about the importance of investing in long-term solutions, not just short-term fixes,” she said.

Richesin said that as she prepared for retirement, she was invited to consider serving on various nonprofit boards in the community.

“I focused on the boards of UWNI, Coeur d'Alene Symphony Orchestra and Hospice of North Idaho,” she said. “Each of these aligns closely with both my personal values and professional experience.”

A career in healthcare delivery and leadership, including 20 years supporting rural healthcare, reinforced the importance of working collaboratively to improve the well-being of individuals and families. Richesin said she was particularly drawn to United Way's focus on addressing underlying factors that influence quality of life and long-term outcomes, as well as its expansion to serve Idaho's five northern counties.

“My professional and personal interests center on the social determinants of health — the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age,” Richesin said. “These nonmedical factors have a profound impact on health, education, financial stability and overall community vitality.”

Combined with United Way's emphasis on the A.L.I.C.E. (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population, serving with the organization was a natural fit for her.

“I have been moved by our ability to understand what it means to meet people where they are,” she said. “By collaborating with others, we offer a wider range of support than what we can do alone.”

Richesin said Miller is already a strong leader and will make an excellent board president. She said Miller has the opportunity to guide the organization through an exciting period and help write its next chapter.

Miller praised Richesin's leadership and said it has positioned the board for continued success.

“I especially appreciate her commitment to collaboration and her ability to bring people together around a shared purpose,” Miller said. “Personally, I'm thankful for her mentorship and the example she has set for the board. She leads with integrity, focus and heart. I'm honored to build on the strong foundation Patt has helped create.”