Defying the Odds

Andrew has led United Way of Marquette County since 2019. He leads a staff of 1.5, with him being one and his right hand Holly being the .5. Andrew organizes the support of 1,000+ volunteers for community needs in the UP. Community hunger seems like the one of many needs that drives Andrew.

No matter what you ask Andrew providing it’s for the good of the community, he typically responds, “Yeah, I can do that.” He evaluates and sets his sight on the goal and makes up his mind that he will make it happen.

He deflects any acknowledgment of his work or role, but he doggedly helps 30+ nonprofit agencies in Marquette County, that serve kids in school, kids in after-school programs, seniors, individuals staying in temporary shelters amongst many others.

Andrew advocates hard for people in his community and does the work of backing up his words. It’s a big weight. It must be tough and rewarding to know you have the responsibility to assist so many. Yet often Andrew will say, “It’s worth it even if it just helps one.” He said this most recently when advocating for youth service awards in the UP.

It’s not even that he gets so much done or helps so many people, but he’s so unbelievably humble about it. You can tell how much he loves his family and how he works just as much out of love for them as he does out of love for his community.

He doesn’t judge. He is slow to speak with wise thoughtful words often unspoken if he is not given the floor. He doesn’t force. He walks the walk.

It’s hard to capture in words, but when you see someone persistently help others, continuing to find new doors when some close, and you see that it takes a toll, and that his work is born from empathy and compassion, it sets a tone of admirable leadership that makes you want to help. His approach inspires confidence that if Andrew can defy the odds like this, no reason we cannot do the same.