A Letter from Our New Executive Director, Steve Rippe
To all Inform USA members and partners,
I’m honored to join this community as your new Executive Director. For over 30 years, my work has centered on one mission: helping people get connected to the assistance, support, and opportunities that make their lives better. Whether it was in customer service environments, contact center leadership roles, or most recently as Vice President of 211 at United Way of the Midlands, that commitment has guided every step of my career. My time on the UWW Front Porch and the 211 Steering Committee only strengthened my belief in the power of this network when we work together.
Inform USA is a special community. You are the people advancing Community Navigation, setting standards, elevating practice, and ensuring millions have a clear path to help when they need it most. Stepping into this role alongside you is both humbling and energizing.
As I begin, my priorities are simple: listen, learn, and understand what you need from us to thrive. To support that, I’ll be hosting virtual regional meet-and-greets and Roundtables from December 10th through December 12th. These sessions are designed to help us get to know one another, but also to gather your transparent perspective on what Inform USA should continue, what we should stop, and what we should start doing to better serve you and the field.
Transparency matters. Collaboration matters. And the work ahead will require both. Your insights will directly shape our direction, and I’m committed to ensuring Inform USA remains a trusted, responsive, and forward-thinking partner.
Thank you for the warm welcome and for the essential work you do every day. I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful to start this journey.
I hope you’ll join me at one of our upcoming regional Meet & Greets:
- Northeast Region- Meet & Greet- Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, 1:00 PM EST
- Southeastern Region- Meet & Greet -Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, 3:00 PM EST
- Midwest Region- Meet & Greet -Thursday, December 11th, 2025, 2:00 PM EST
- Western Region- Meet & Greet- Friday, December 12th, 2025, 1:00 PM EST