Kristine Miller succeeds Patt Richesin as of Wednesday, July 1
by DEVIN WEEKS / Development Manager
The mission of United Way of North Idaho is to improve lives by bringing our community together to address its most pressing needs, from youth opportunity and education to financial stability and health.
Informing how that mission is carried out are members of the UWNI board of directors, led by a president who is all in for helping the chapter grow and have a significant impact on those it supports.
President-elect Kristine Miller took the helm July 1 from outgoing President Patt Richesin at the start of the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Richesin will remain as past president for one year and depart after her six-year board commitment concludes. UWNI board president terms last two years.
Kristine said she has always been drawn to organizations that create real, measurable impact in the communities they serve, and United Way does exactly that.
A longtime Coeur d’Alene resident who serves as a senior communications and marketing leader at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Kristine has been on the UWNI board since 2023. In that capacity, she has focused on strengthening connections between United Way and the broader nonprofit and business communities.
“I’ve enjoyed contributing a more strategic communications lens in my work on the Resource Development Committee, and I’ve aimed to build a deeper understanding among board members about the importance of investing in long-term solutions, not just short-term fixes,” she said.
The beauty of North Idaho first attracted Kristine's family to the area in the 1980s. She grew up in Minnesota but spent most childhood summers swimming, camping, riding dirt bikes and horses and making lifelong friends in the mountains of North Idaho.
“Together with my husband, I could think of no better place to raise our family and make a living than this tucked-away corner of the world,” she said. “I am so proud that people here still believe in hard work and helping their community and don’t shy away from addressing the tough issues.”
Kristine came to know UWNI as a reliable resource through previous work at a local nonprofit. Volunteering and serving on other nonprofit boards inspired her to learn more about how UWNI impacts the community via a wide breadth of support. Her primary goal as president will be to deepen community impact by strengthening partnerships and expanding awareness of United Way’s work.
“I want to continue building momentum, ensuring that donors, volunteers and partners clearly see how their support translates into real outcomes,” Kristine said.
Internally, she is focused on supporting an engaged board and ensuring members are aligned and strategic in their decisions. She also plans to use her background in communications to better share UWNI's story, highlighting impact and inspiring broader participation.
Financial stability is a pillar of a strong organization, a lesson Kristine has learned through experience and education.
"Making my own financial decisions (some good, some not) is where I finally understood the impact that financial stability has on every aspect of life,” she said. “Having a good role model and people to mentor me along the way undoubtedly helped to keep me on the right path, and giving back to my community is one way for me to repay that kindness.”
Her predecessor Patt has been one of those role models.
“Patt has been an incredible leader for UWNI, and I’m deeply grateful for the passion, dedication and steady guidance she’s provided,” Kristine said.
Throughout her life, Patt has held a strong commitment to volunteerism and community involvement. She said her career in healthcare delivery and leadership, during which she spent 20 years supporting rural healthcare, reinforced the importance of collaboratively working to improve the well-being of individuals and families.
“As I prepared to retire, I was invited to consider serving on various nonprofit boards in the community,” Patt said. “I focused on the boards of UWNI, Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra and Hospice of North Idaho. Each of these aligns closely with both my personal values and professional experience."
Patt was particularly drawn to United Way's focus on addressing underlying factors that influence quality of life, long-term outcomes and its expansion to include Idaho's five northern counties.
“My professional and personal interests center on the social determinants of health – the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age," she said. "These non-medical factors have a profound impact on health, education, financial stability and overall community vitality."
Combined with United Way’s emphasis on the A.L.I.C.E. (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population, it was just a natural extension for her.
“I have been moved by our ability to understand what it means to meet people where they are," Patt said. "By collaborating with others, we offer a wider range of support than what we can do alone.”
Patt said Kristine is already a great leader and will make a great president. She said Kristine has the unique opportunity to guide the organization through an exciting period and co-author the next chapter for UWNI.
"Your leadership will be instrumental in building on existing strengths while helping the organization adapt to future opportunities and challenges," Patt said. "Continuously assess our inventory of resources, ask the next hard question, champion success and bear the responsibility to ensure accountability without micromanaging."
Kristine said Patt’s leadership has helped position the board for continued success.
“I especially appreciate her commitment to collaboration and her ability to bring people together around a shared purpose,” Kristine said. “Personally, I’m thankful for her mentorship and the example she has set for the board. She leads with integrity, focus and heart. I’m honored to build on the strong foundation Patt has helped create!”