Leslie Osche

HARRISBURG — Leslie Osche, executive director of the United Way of Butler County, has been elected vice chairwoman of the state United Way association.

Tony Ross, president of the United Way of Pennsylvania Association, said Friday that Osche is a "role model" for other local directors across the state.

Osche said she was honored to be elected to serve as one of 32 state board directors for a three-year term. Her term as vice chairwoman is a one-year term.

She lives in Butler Township with her husband and two sons.

Hired as the county United Way's executive director seven years ago, Osche has been instrumental in organizing energy and utility programs for Butler County residents who have trouble keeping their heat or electricity connected.

Soon, state rate caps that have kept the price of some utilities, such as electricity, lower in recent years, are about to expire and Osche, Ross and the United Way as a whole are looking for ways to help people across the state keep the lights on.

"We've been in touch with the state county commissioners association, Catholic Charities and Community Action to help us work on this subject," Osche said.

"(Osche) is one of those people in my energy cabinet, so I do want to work closely with her on this issue," Ross said. "She's one of the best directors in the state and I'm glad she has a chance to work at the next level."