UWSC names new director

The United Way of St. Charles has named John Dias as the new executive director. After the board voted unanimously to accept the Human Resource Committee's recommendation, Dias assumed the responsibilities of his new position immediately on Thursday, April 10.

Dias comes to UWSC from Lakeside Wellness Center / Power Wellness of Omaha, Neb., where he served as executive director from 2003 until recently. His former responsibilities included development, programming, marketing and operations of the 55,000 square-foot facility.

With an operating budget of $3.5 million and a staff of 40 full-time employees, Dias generated positive budget variances for five consecutive years and achieved in excess of $1 million per year in net operating income. Dias has also served as senior executive director of the YMCA of Lincoln, Neb., as well as associate director of Lee Circle YMCA in New Orleans during the 1990's. 

His family ties in New Orleans made the position of executive director of United Way of St. Charles even more attractive. Dias attended both high school and college in New Orleans and holds a Bachelor of Science and an MBA from Pacific Western University in California.

"My wife and I are very happy to return home to South Louisiana,” he said. “In the short time that I have been here, I am particularly impressed with the energy and commitment that the volunteers, businesses and residents have toward working with the United Way of St. Charles for the betterment of the community.

“In short, it’s good to be home.” 

Dias can be reached at the United Way of St. Charles office at 985-331-9063 or by email at johnd@uwaysc.org. There will be a "Meet and Greet" for Dias Thursday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the United Way of St. Charles office located at 13207 River Road in Luling. The community  is invited to attend.