From staff reports LAWTON – The United Way of Southwest Oklahoma has appointed Lawton resident Iola Noble as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer.
Noble brings more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and systems- change work to her new role, with a focus on youth development, family advocacy and strategic collaboration, the organization said in a news release. She will begin work Aug. 18, succeeding interim CEO Carol Herrick.
Noble’s experience includes executive roles with the Keweenaw Family Resource Center and Copper Country Great Start Collaborative in Michigan, as well as leadership positions with The Salvation Army in several states, according to the news release. She is an advocate for strengthening families through programs rooted in evidence-based practices and cross-sector partnerships.
“Iola is a proven leader with a passion for uplifting communities,” said UWSWOK Chair Kelly Edwards. “She has a strong track record of building effective, people-first organizations, and her deep understanding of the nonprofit landscape, along with her collaborative approach to leadership, make her an exceptional fit for our organization.”
In her new role, Noble will oversee all aspects of the organization’s strategic direction, fundraising and program partnerships to further United Way’s mission of improving lives, according to the news release. She will work alongside community members, donors and partner agencies to drive a sustainable impact on education, financial stability and health.
“I’m honored to join United Way of Southwest Oklahoma,” Noble said in the news release. “I believe that real change happens when we bring people together around shared goals, and I look forward to building on this organization’s strong foundation to help families and communities thrive.”
Noble holds a master’s degree in early childhood education from Spring Arbor University, a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Olivet Nazarene University and several certifications in family engagement and nonprofit standards of quality, according to the news release. She has served on several nonprofit boards and has been recognized for her contributions to community and leadership development.