Welcome Jeff Lonigro & Ross Marsden!
Each year, United Way partners with local leaders who serve as Campaign Co-Chairs — community champions who help guide our fundraising efforts, raise awareness, and inspire support for the 17+ local nonprofits funded through United Way of Sheboygan County. They help connect our mission with workplaces, neighbors, and organizations across the county.
We are excited to highlight Jeff Lonigro, CEO of Bemis Manufacturing, and Ross Marsden, Corporate Controller at Bemis Manufacturing and Treasurer of our United Way of Sheboygan County Board of Directors as this year’s Campaign Co-Chairs.
Both Jeff and Ross bring deep commitment to their community and a shared belief in the power of collective action to create lasting change. In a recent conversation, they reflected on what drives their passion, what gives them hope, and why giving locally matters now more than ever.
What community issue are you most passionate about?
For Ross Marsden, the importance of early childhood development is more than a talking point — it’s personal. With his wife working in early childhood education, currently at Bookworm Gardens' preschool, and three young children at home, Ross sees every day how those first years shape a child’s future. He believes that investing early doesn’t just prepare children for kindergarten — it builds resilience, strengthens families, and reduces future disparities.
Jeff Lonigro shares a similar passion, focusing on children’s physical and mental health as the foundation of a thriving community. He shared that he believes "when children have access to quality healthcare and mental health resources, they’re better equipped to learn, grow, and reach their full potential."
Why do you believe giving locally is important?
"Local giving keeps funds close to home, addressing the unique needs of our neighbors, and creating a lasting, positive impact in the places that matter most to our team, where we build our lives, raise our families, and connect with one another" Jeff shared.
Both Ross and Jeff believe that the most meaningful change happens closest to home. Supporting United Way of Sheboygan County means investing in people — our neighbors, coworkers, and friends.
What do you think sets United Way apart?
At our core, United Way is more than just about raising funds - we're here to be community connectors. We believe that through collaboration, accountability and shared goals, we can create long-term solutions to help our community thrive.
Its that collaborative approach, for Ross, that is what truly sets United Way apart. Rather than working in isolation, United Way builds partnerships between nonprofits, schools, businesses, community leaders in order to tackle challenges and complex issues from multiple angles. "It's strategic, data-drive and deeply rooted in the community", he shared.
Jeff sees the organization's wide-ranging impact as equally defining. Through his work with local United Ways across Wisconsin, Jeff has learned about the work that is being done to run their own local initiatives, including the PATH school-based mental health program.
It's "that mix of community reach, accountability and collaboration" Jeff responded "that makes United Way a trusted partner."
How do you see United Way's work impact our community in the long-term?
The work of United Way isn't just about meeting immediate needs - it's about building the foundation for a stronger future. By focusing on prevention, intervention and long-term solutions in education, mental health, and financial stability, United Way's goal is to not just help families and individuals not only get by, but thrive.
Ross Marsden sees this work as laying the groundwork for generational change and helping to break the cycles of poverty. As Treasurer of the Board, Ross has seen first hand how "the investments made today, whether in early childhood programs or mental health support, create ripple effects that benefit our community for decades".
"When kids and families have the resources", Jeff shared, we can see how "that strengthens the entire community for years to come".
How has your work with United Way impact you?
Throughout his career, Jeff Lonigro has been involved with both United Way Fox Cities and United Way of Sheboygan County. "What has stayed with me most are the stories... hearing these stories is a reminder that United Way's work goes far beyond numbers." Jeff shared that he when he sees the incredible impact of collective giving and organizations work together rather than in silos, he is reminded of the individual lives we are all helping to improve."
Volunteering, for Ross, has helped him to gain firsthand understanding of community issues. "It's one thing to hear about the programs United Way supports", he said, but through giving back time, he's been able to connect to individuals, in person and realize the difference these nonprofit programs make on a daily basis.
What excites you most about this year's campaign?
This year’s Co-Chairs feels our local campaign is fueled by a renewed sense of energy, connection, and community pride. Across Sheboygan County, individuals, workplaces, and volunteers are stepping up in record numbers to show their support.
For Ross Marsden, that spirit of engagement has been especially inspiring. He points to this year’s Day of Caring as a standout example, with record participation from volunteers and sponsors—and even the first-ever elementary school joining in. To him, that momentum reflects a community that truly cares about making a difference. “Seeing so many people come together to give back,” he shared, “gives me confidence that together we can create lasting impact for our community.”
Jeff Lonigro has also felt that excitement firsthand through the growing enthusiasm from local businesses and employees. He describes a strong sense of teamwork and shared purpose among organizations across the county. “It’s inspiring to see so many companies and individuals united by a common goal,” he said. “That collective energy is what makes United Way’s work so impactful.”
