River Cities United Way announced Tuesday it has begun the search process to replace outgoing Executive Director Dan Wollam.

Wollam, who came to Lake Havasu City from Port Townsend, Wash., in February 2006, has accepted a position as vice president with Mesa United Way. He will continue in his current position until the first of the year.

“I had not planned on moving. I was not looking for another position. This one came looking for me,” Wollam said. “I’ve enjoyed my time in Lake Havasu City. I’m not leaving unhappy �- In fact, this is one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make in my life.”

Wollam said he would work to tie up loose ends in his remaining time with the organization, including wrapping up the 2007 campaign season.

“The campaign has been slow this year, but they’ve been slow all over the country,” he said. “We’ve actually done a little better than I expected �- We’re over the half-way mark.”

This also is the time of year when United Way evaluates new agencies that have expressed interest in receiving funding.

“I’m going to try to have that pulled together as much as I can,” Wollam said.

Wollam said some of the accomplishments of the organization during the past two years include implementing an online application process and helping the city allocate $250,000 in grant money annually.

Executive search committee chairman Dennis Van said in a press release that in replacing Wollam the committee will look for “a leader with significant executive experience with a United Way, a non-profit organization, or equivalent experience in the public sector.”

You may contact the reporter at dparker@havasunews.com.