After five years with the Portage Plains United Way, and two of them as its president, Matthew Newham handed the torch to Sharilyn Knox, who's currently interim president before her official start. Newham describes how he feels.

Matthew Newham with certificate of appreciation"It's really tough. I spent the last five years on the board. Board members carry six year terms. So, unfortunately I just don't get to finish my last year. But in the last five years we've seen a lot of change in the organization. A lot of challenges. We're very, very lucky to have the office staff that we have, that enable us to do the things that we do, and raise the money we have to raise in such a short time to help out our agencies."

Newham explains a change in his position of occupation cut his tenure on the board a little short.

"I'm actually going into a district manager's position with a national furniture chain. I'll be overseeing two stores in Winnipeg, a store in Brandon, and Thunder Bay will be my area. It involves a lot of travel, and I felt I wouldn't be able to commit the time I need to commit to to be on this board. We're still going to be residing in Portage for probably three or four more years."

New president Sharilyn KnoxWhen asked what highlights of his presidency stood out the most, he says, "I've been president the last two years. I am really thrilled that we found Mandy Dubois to come into that position of executive director in the last year. I think that's probably the biggest highlight. She's done such a good job, and will continue to do a great job for the organizations. So, we're very blessed to have her here. And the volunteer base that we have. The generosity of Portage -- I say this every year -- the generosity of this community blows me away every year. The last two years we've hit $250,000 plus in three months. That's a lot of money in three months to raise."

Newham adds he appreciates the efforts of those with whom he worked.

"I want to say thank you very much to all the past board members over the last five years that I've worked with on the board, the current board, and of course the office staff. They're a great bunch of people that really care about their community, and want to make our community a better place to be."