Abigail Andrews

Sponsored

Professional Background:
Although I have a degree in Special Education and am a yoga instructor, most of my professional experience has been in sales.
What is your proudest career moment?
My proudest career moment would have to be teaching a prenatal yoga class to the ladies from Aletheia House through Birmingham Yoga 2018 to 2019.
What are you most interested in gaining from the Loaned Executive experience?
Wonderful relationships and more sales knowledge.
What impact do you hope to make during the 13-week LE Program?
I have a philanthropic nature at heart and am excited to help change the lives of our community.
What is your hometown? Mountain Brook, Alabama
What is your favorite local restaurant/coffee shop/bar? Elysian Gardens
What are your hobbies?
Yoga, hiking, climbing, anything outdoors and spending time with my 10-year-old daughter.
What is a random fact about you?
I’m double jointed.

Angela Armstead

Sponsored

Volunteer experience:
I have volunteered to feed the women and children in shelters.
What are you most interested in gaining from the Loaned Executive experience?
I am interested in developing my leadership skills and gaining a deeper understanding of community needs and how partnerships can drive meaningful change.
What impact do you hope to make during the 13-week LE Program?
I hope to make a significant impact by driving successful fundraising campaigns that support United Way and secure resources that will continue to help individuals and families.
What is your hometown? Grove Hill, Alabama
What is your favorite local restaurant/coffee shop/bar?
Firebird, Outback and Starbucks
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy reading, playing games with family and friends and watching TV.
What is a random fact about you?
Growing up I did not like dogs and was afraid of them. My niece got a puppy, so now I dog sit her puppy from time to time, but depending on the kind of dog it is, I am still afraid of them.

Brooke Wright

Manager CX Operations, Protective Life

Professional Background:
I spent morethan 10 years as a 911 dispatcher. I joined Protective Life in 2020 and became a manager in 2021. In 2022, I took on an additional team and managed our Spanish call center.
What is your proudest career moment?
Becoming fluent in Spanish and obtaining my degree in Latin American Studies.
Volunteer experience:
I supported the Southern Environmental Center at Birmingham-Southern College for 20 years. In 2022 and 2023, I served as the Junior Board President.
What are you most interested in gaining from the Loaned Executive experience?
More collaborative leadership skills through meeting other Loaned Executives and working closely with United Way leadership.
What impact do you hope to make during the 13-week LE Program?
I aim to leverage my Hispanic cultural knowledge and language skills to share United Way’s valuable programs with our community’s Hispanic partners who can benefit from them.
What is your hometown? Huntsville, Alabama
What is your favorite local restaurant/coffee shop/bar?
Beer Hog in Pelham is a relaxed neighborhood bar and restaurant with incredible staff and wonderful service.
What are your hobbies?
I adore Spanish culture and constantly seek opportunities to learn more. I tutor Spanish and English as a second language, finding joy in watching my students grow alongside me.
What is a random fact about you?
My initials are BMW, and this was completely accidental by my parents!

Darlene Borden

Land Taxes & Royalty Administrator, Drummond Company

Professional Background:
I worked for Drummond Company for 30 years.
Volunteer experience:
I participate in an annual Thanksgiving box giveaway with local churches. I have also volunteered with the community park workday in Jasper with Drummond.
What are you most interested in gaining from the Loaned Executive experience?
Learning more about all the agencies that are associated with United Way.
What impact do you hope to make during the 13-week LE Program?
I hope to help bring awareness to others of the importance of giving to United Way.
What is your hometown? Carbon Hill, Alabama
What is your favorite local restaurant/coffee shop/bar?
Pizza Bar
What are your hobbies?
Traveling, reading and spending time with my family.
What is a random fact about you?
I love playing the piano.

Emily Carlton

SVP Data Risk Management, Regions

Professional Background:
I am Senior Vice President and Manager of Data Risk Management at Regions Bank in Birmingham, Alabama.
What is your proudest career moment?
When I won the respect of a key stakeholder who served as a hindrance to the progression of a major project necessary for the company’s maturity and risk mitigation.
Volunteer experience:
I am currently in the Young Philanthropists Society for United Way and have been a member of the Junior League for seven years. I also serve on the Board of Redemptive Cycles.
What are you most interested in gaining from the Loaned Executive experience?
I am excited to try something new and gain valuable experience that can help me grow further as an individual and as a professional. I am looking forward to making new connections and having the opportunity to expand my world further, fostering continued leadership growth.
What impact do you hope to make during the 13-week LE Program?
My hope is that I can help educate others in the community about United Way and just be one small puzzle piece in helping the campaign reach and/or exceed its goal for the year!
What is your hometown? Birmingham, Alabama
What is your favorite local restaurant/coffee shop/bar?
Too many choices in Birmingham — everything is good!
What are your hobbies?
Gardening, decorating, hiking, skiing, kayaking, exploring new places and traveling.
What is a random fact about you?
I was on the news and predicted to be a future Olympic swimmer when I was two years old because I could swim to the bottom of the deep end of a pool and back up!

Evan Rodgers

Market Specialist, Alabama Power

Professional Background:
I attended the University of Alabama. After graduating, I had the opportunity to begin working at Alabama Power, where I have been for the last six years. While working at Alabama Power, I recently completed law school at Birmingham School of Law.
Volunteer experience:
In 2018, I served as the United Way of East Central Alabama’s Coordinator for Alabama Power’s Eastern Division Campaign. I also have served on the Alabama Power Service Organization’s Eastern Division Board, as well as the Alabama Power Service Organization’s State Board.
What is your hometown? Saks, Alabama
What is a random fact about you? I am an Auburn fan but attended the University of Alabama.

Gail Cruz

Partner, Community Services, Spire

Professional Background:
State of Alabama (Child Welfare) – 12 years
Spire – 7 years
Volunteer experience:
I have volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, Junior Achievement, Better Basics, YWCA and serve on the Board of the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama.
Are you currently involved in any community service or philanthropic activities?
I am an active board member of the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama.
What is your hometown? Mobile, Alabama
What is your favorite local restaurant/coffee shop/bar?
Bistro V
What are your hobbies?
Gardening

Hemali Shah

Digital Channel Manager, Regions

Professional Background:
I have more than15 years of industry experience in various roles, starting with a career in software engineering, then data science. My most recent role in digital banking has been transformational (API + open banking).
What is your proudest career moment?
My proudest moment was when I earned an MBA (Finance) from UAB while working full time as a software engineer and while being pregnant with our first child.
Volunteer experience:
I have been donating to St Jude Children’s hospital for the past three to four years. I also started helping my friend with her affiliation with “The Wellhouse.”
What impact do you hope to make during the 13-week LE program?
I hope my skills will bring proficiency to UWCA’s fundraising efforts.
What is your hometown?
I have lived with my husband in Vestavia Hills for about 20 years. Prior to that, I grew up in India’s Maharashtra state.
What is your favorite local restaurant/coffee shop/bar?
Local Restaurants: Nori Thai cuisine, Bawarchi Indian cuisine, Gianmarco’s Italian, Shu Shop Japanese cuisine.
Coffee Shop: Any
Bar: Carrigan’s
What are your hobbies?
I love traveling. Cooking, swimming and learning Indian classical dance are my stress busters.
What is a random fact about you?
I am a social introvert.

John Massey

Heat Rate Engineer, Alabama Power

Professional Background:
After earning a chemical engineering bachelors and MBA from The University of Alabama, I started working with Alabama Power as a project engineer at the E.C. Gaston steam plant. I then moved through multiple positions at the plant, including system owner, environmental engineer and my current role as the plant heat rate engineer. I also have many coordinator type roles that assist with a wide range of plant functions.
What is your proudest career moment?
My proudest career moment was being chosen to participate in the leadership development program with Alabama Power, where I was able to develop my personal skills and learn about the various company departments.
Volunteer experience:
I was a board member for our plant’s Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) for two years. In this role at the plant, I helped coordinate fundraisers and other events throughout the year to get plant personnel involved with APSO.
What are you most interested in gaining from the Loaned Executive experience?
I am most excited to network with employees of the various companies around the Birmingham area and build relationships with the other APC loaned executives.
What impact do you hope to make during the 13-week LE Program?
I hope to be able to see some successful analytical results of our work over the next 13 weeks, but also see the positive impacts on people`s lives that we are able to change for the better through United Way.
What is your hometown? Vestavia Hills, Alabama
What is your favorite local restaurant/coffee shop/bar?
Local Restaurant: Jack Brown’s
Bar: Adios
What are your hobbies?
Golf, home improvement, woodworking, mountain biking and rifle/sporting clay shooting.
What is a random fact about you?
I have been operating a successful social media business for more than 15 years with millions of followers across multiple social media platforms.

Kara Price

Healthcare Analytics, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Professional Background:
I have worked in various industries such as oil and gas, telecommunications, financial services and healthcare.
What is your proudest career moment?
I’ve had two “big” moments: Obtaining my Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) and graduating with a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications at age 50.
Volunteer experience:
I volunteer within my church with various ministries. I also volunteer at the Central Alabama Community Food Bank warehouse and the Diaper Exchange (Bundles of Hope). I am currently the president-elect for my sorority’s Birmingham alumna chapter, which philanthropically supports the Woolley Institute for Spoken Language Education (WISE).
What are you most interested in gaining from the Loaned Executive experience?
I am excited about the potential to stretch my professional skills in creativity, problem solving and leadership. What excites me most about this program is its approach to developing leaders who are deeply empathetic and committed to improving the Birmingham community.
What impact do you hope to make during the 13-week LE Program?
I am eager to learn from the experiences of the mentors and my LE peers, and I am looking forward to contributing my own insights and experiences to the program. I want to live a life of value and purpose and to give back to a community that welcomed me with open arms in 1997.
What is your hometown? Hoover, Alabama
What is your favorite local restaurant/coffee shop/bar?
Phil Sandovals (Hoover), Farrellys (Hoover), OHenry’s Coffee.
What are your hobbies?
I play piano, I like to cross-stitch, crochet and knit. I love creative outlets during down time.
What is a random fact about you?
I am the proud momma of two grown boys and one spoiled Bichon Frise puppy.

Karen Jackson

Learning and Talent Development Project Specialist, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Professional Background:
27 years of service at Blue Cross
Volunteer experience:
I am a current member of the BCBSAL Volunteer Team, where I have been awarded “Most Volunteer Hours” in a year.
Are you currently involved in any community service or philanthropic activities?
Yes, I currently volunteer with Women of Grace Ministries and was given the “Super Supporter” award.
What are you most interested in gaining from the Loaned Executive experience?
Looking forward to a new experience and everything I can learn!
What impact do you hope to make during the 13-week LE Program?
Hoping to make a major impact!
What is your hometown? Birmingham, Alabama
What is your favorite local restaurant/coffee shop/bar?
Bellini’s, Big Whiskey, Walk-ons…
What are your hobbies?
Bowling, traveling and spending time with my grandkids and sudoku puzzles.
What is a random fact about you?
I want to visit all 50 states and just recently got back from Alaska. I am halfway to my goal!

LaSharn Calhoun

Sponsored, Realtor

Professional Background:
I was a claims adjuster for severe injury claims for more than 20 years and a realtor since 2018.
What is your proudest career moment?
When I sold my first house.
Describe your volunteer experience, either with United Way or other non-profits.
I have been in Junior League of Alabama since 2018, although I recently became inactive due to personal reasons. I have had the opportunity to volunteer for many nonprofit organizations: Literacy Council, MS Society, Diaper Bank, Forge. I was on the volunteer council for Opera Birmingham and Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
What are you most interested in gaining from the Loaned Executive experience?
I am excited about developing my public speaking skills.
What impact do you hope to make during the 13-week LE Program?
I want to be able to make a lasting impression on the people I meet.
What is your hometown? Homewood, Alabama
What is your favorite local restaurant/coffee shop/bar?
Davinci`s Pizza
What are your hobbies?
Line dancing, volunteering, mentoring.
What is a random fact about you?
I have a four-year-old granddaughter.

Lillie Bean

Legal Operations Specialist, Brasfield & Gorrie

Professional Background:
I served as a Legal Administrative Assistant at Baker Donelson in Birmingham for five years before transitioning to the Financial Technology sector as an Account Manager at Dash Solutions. In the fall of 2023, I made a permanent move to Brasfield & Gorrie, where I now work as a Legal Operations Specialist.
Describe your volunteer experience, either with United Way or other non-profits.
After college, I served with AmeriCorps in Birmingham through Impact America. I coached the SpeakFirst high school debate team and worked closely with the middle school division. Additionally, I completed tax preparation training to assist low-income families and conducted vision screenings for pre-K children across Alabama.
What are you most interested in gaining from the Loaned Executive experience?
I am eager to expand my professional network and learn from others. As our careers progress, it’s easy to become confined by daily responsibilities, causing our networks to shrink. I’m excited to broaden my connections with local organizations that share a commitment to giving back through United Way.
What is your hometown? Alabaster, Alabama
What is your favorite local restaurant/coffee shop/bar?
Restaurant – EastWest
Coffee Shop – Punch Love
Bar – The Lumbar
What are your hobbies?
Exploring Birmingham’s ever-growing restaurant scene with my husband; enjoying a nice day and a good book at the park with our dog Church; and antique shopping with a good cup of coffee in hand!
What is a random fact about you?
I’m allergic to the ocean…well, at least to the Gulf of Mexico.

Luke Hanson

Sponsored, Talent Acquisition Manager

Professional Background:
I have spent most of my career working in the nonprofit and higher education sectors. My nonprofit work has focused broadly on public health. In higher ed, I have worked as an academic coach and advisor. For the past couple of years, I’ve shifted gears and worked in corporate recruiting.
Describe your volunteer experience, either with United Way or other non-profits.
I have volunteered with Salvation Army, Big Brothers Big Sisters and United Way.
Are you currently involved in any community service or philanthropic activities?
I currently give to St. Jude and Shriners.
What are you most interested in gaining from the Loaned Executive experience?
Broadly, I want to gain a much stronger understanding and relationship with my community through learning about, and advocating for, United Way and
the partners and programs it supports.
What impact do you hope to make during the 13-week LE Program?
I hope to greatly increase the number of folks aware of United Way, its reach and its community impact, as well as deepening the knowledge of those already
somewhat aware of United Way.
What is your hometown? Birmingham, Alabama
What is your favorite local restaurant/coffee shop/bar?
Red Cat, Carrigans
What are your hobbies?
I love hiking with my wife and our dogs, fostering dogs, going to movies and cheering for the Atlanta Braves.
What is a random fact about you?
I was a superhero in a YouTube series on healthy snacking and nutrition.

Madison Hall

Substations Controls, Engineer 1, Southern Company

Professional Background:
I have worked three semesters with Southern Company as a co-op student with the Physical Design and Protection and Controls Design groups in both the Alabama and Georgia sectors of Southern Company, before hiring on as a full-time employee in the Substation Protection and Controls group two months ago.
What is your proudest career moment?
My proudest career moment is getting hired into my top-choice group at Southern Company.
Describe your volunteer experience, either with United Way or other non-profits.
Most recently, my group and I volunteered at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama where we constructed, packed and stacked meal-boxes. In the past, I have worked with a student-led nonprofit where we retrofit children’s toys to make them more accessible to children with disabilities. Additionally, I have worked on multiple beautification projects for cleaning up school campuses and preparing elementary schools for a bright and colorful start to their school year. In the past years, I have worked with multiple food kitchens in Atlanta and its surrounding area to feed people who are homeless.
What are you most interested in gaining from the Loaned Executive experience?
I am excited to become more involved in the community, as well as building on my professional skills and experiences.
What impact do you hope to make during the 13-week LE Program?
I hope to be an integral part in expanding community access to health and education services.
What is your hometown? Marietta, Georgia
What is your favorite local restaurant/coffee shop/bar?
Wild Roast Coffee Shop
What are your hobbies?
Hiking with my dogs, playing soccer and line dancing.
What is a random fact about you?
I’m terrified of butterflies.

Malinda Williams

Sr Regional Philanthropy Officer, Red Cross

What is your proudest career moment?
Seeing the impact the Red Cross makes in the lives of people each and every day.
Describe your volunteer experience, either with United Way or other non-profits.
Currently, I am serving as the Alabama Society Daughters of the American Revolution State Regent. As the State Regent, I am responsible for 67 chapters across the state and more than 4,200 members who are dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and supporting education. In addition to volunteering with the DAR, I am also active with the Junior League of Birmingham, where I currently serve on the Research and Development Committee.
What impact do you hope to make during the 13-week LE Program?
I hope to make a significant impact by driving community engagement and increasing contributions to vital programs as well as raise awareness of, and support for, United Way’s initiatives.
What is your hometown? Tallassee, Alabama
What is your favorite local restaurant/coffee shop/bar?
Niki’s West or The Olive Branch
What is a random fact about you?
I didn’t have a TV in my house growing up or cable until I went to college.

Megan Miles

Sr Manager, Operations Analytics, Encompass Health

Professional Background:
I began my professional career as an HR Specialist at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, while I pursued my masters degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. After graduate school, I moved to Birmingham to create, administer and assess new-hire and promotional exams for public safety positions. When I moved to Encompass Health, I was a project manager in HR, overseeing high-visibility projects, such as the annual employee engagement surveys, performance evaluations, and talent-management initiatives. In an effort to broaden my business acumen, I left HR for the first time in 2021 to fill my current role of Senior Manager, Ops Analytics. Now I oversee various analytical efforts that inform daily operations, corporate development and managed care.
What impact do you hope to make during the 13-week LE Program?
While the impact of United Way already stands out to me, I look forward to being fully immersed to support the cause. I have been on the Junior Board of United Ability and I love hearing about the efforts of other affiliate agencies, but admittedly fundraising is not a strong suit of mine…yet! The LE Program will be an incredible opportunity to connect with UWCAs mission while securing financial support for them to continue their work. I have big plans to come out of my shell to meet and exceed fundraising goals for my accounts, while encouraging my fellow LEs to do the same!
What is a random fact about you?
I am a beekeeper! I got my first hive in 2018 and have been obsessed ever since. I took a “maternity leave” from beekeeping in 2023 but I’m back and enjoying it tremendously. It has also connected me to green living in general, and I have a renewed love for gardening and conservation as a result. One day, I think it would be really neat to start a nonprofit that teaches beekeeping to school children, seniors, underserved communities or individuals with disabilities.

Ramsey Morris

Sponsored

Professional Background:
I helped open a restaurant called TastyTown in which I had never served before. Within two months, I got promoted to Bartender and I have now been lead bartender for more than years. Our bar program is state-recognized. At Sidewalk Nonprofit + Film Center, I am the Youth Programs Coordinator and, within that role, I run the Youth Board. I teach 30+ high school students how to make a short film and then we produce one together over the course of a year. Last year was my first year and I got great feedback. I stressed the importance of communication and the kids came out with lifelong friends and a project to be proud of. We have a 71% retention rate of students returning for this upcoming year of Youth Board.
What is your proudest career moment?
I am a recent college graduate (May 2024). At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, I started, and was President of, the Undergraduate Communication Association. This group connected students to campus resources, created community events and taught the importance of communication research. In the first year of this association, I was a co-president and we had eight executive board members and a total of 10 members. The second year, I was the single president, we had eight executive board members, three committees and 40+ members. We became known for popular community events, including Wellness Week during which we hosted events focused on students’ Mental Health and wellness.
What are you most interested in gaining from the Loaned Executive experience?
I am excited to become more confident in my leadership and public speaking skills. This is such a great opportunity and I’m excited to gain experience on all fronts.
What impact do you hope to make during the 13-week LE Program?
I hope to help create a healthy and communicative team as communication is my biggest value.
What is your hometown? Hoover, Alabama
What is your favorite local restaurant/coffee shop/bar?
Local Restaurant: Pappa’s Grill in Vestavia
Coffee Shop: Filtr in 5 Points
Bar: House of Found Objects on 2nd Ave N
What are your hobbies?
I have a guilty pleasure of watching reality television with friends. I find it to be a fun connection. I also enjoy playing video games and making short films (more of a passion).

Sophia Benson

Sponsored

Professional Background:
I’ve always worked in administration, which is the backbone of any organization. Over my career, I’ve progressed to an executive level, focusing on government policies, contracts and payroll. I also gained valuable experience preparing taxes through United Way, which eventually led me to the Loaned Executive Program.
What is your proudest career moment?
I’ve had several throughout the years, but what comes to mind is retiring from the military honorably with 22 years of service. Also implementing new policies in organizations, where I’ve worked to make them more efficient and user friendly, passing inspections and having others in the organization wanting to model my example. Lastly, I once served on the Board of my credit union, and I advocated for implementing a “Good Grade” savings account for school kids that’s still in effect.
Volunteer Experience:
United Way Tax Prep; Birmingham VA Health Care System-Morale Team Lead; Community Bible Church-Intercultural, Hospitality and Sign Language Ministry; Water Station volunteer in the Essex Chips, 2016 and Vermont City Marathon, 2015; The Worship Center Christian Church- Teacher for three to five-year-olds’ Children Church Ministry, Jan 2012-Dec 2014; Air National Guard Federal Credit Union Board of Directors Member, Dec 2012-Dec 2014; American Cancer Society-Relay for Life Participant, Feb 2012 – Jun 2012; Member of the Enlisted Advisory Council Alabama Air National Guard, Mar 2012- Dec 2014; Birmingham Junior Achievement Reading to Kindergarten Students, Mar 2012 & 2013; 5K Race Participant for Colorectal Cancer raising over $122,817.60 on 30 Mar 2013
What are you most interested in gaining from the Loaned Executive experience?
Another skillset and connecting with people.
What impact do you hope to make during the 13-week LE Program?
Changing people’s hearts and minds for the betterment of others
What is your hometown? Birmingham, Alabama
What is your favorite local restaurant/coffee shop/bar? Big Whiskey, Green Acres and Jake’s Soulfood — basically anywhere that sells oxtails and fried lemon pepper wings:-) Bob Sykes for their delicious red velvet cake:-)
What are your hobbies?
Relaxing; getting pedicures; a little shopping for the house.
What is a random fact about you?
I love communicating with other people in their native languages to show respect. For instance, I love ASL and the Spanish language. I always go for the underdog!

Sydney Cavin

Commercial Banking Development, Regions

Professional Background:
Prior to working for Regions, I worked for Chick-fil-A. I started when I was 16 and worked there all through college. I had the privilege of interning for Regions in 2021 and came back on full-time as a Commercial Development Program Analyst post-graduation in June 2022. Since then, I have rotated periodically throughout the Commercial Bank and will be getting my final placement following my time with the United Way.
What is your proudest career moment?
My proudest career moment was getting a full-time offer from Regions Bank after my internship. I had an incredible experience throughout that summer and wanted to work for Regions more than anything!
Volunteer experience:
I volunteer with my church on a regular basis in the nursery and also lead a small college group.
What are you most interested in gaining from the Loaned Executive experience?
I am most interested in learning more about United Way and everything that the organization does while also strengthening my leadership and management skills.
What impact do you hope to make during the 13-week LE Program?
I hope to help support United Way in any way possible throughout the program. I would love to raise money to assist in programs, while also being a helping hand in any other areas needed.
What is your hometown? Canton, Georgia
What is your favorite local restaurant/coffee shop/bar?
Restaurant: Bamboo on 2nd
Coffee Shop: O`Henry’s and Santos
Bar: Golden Age Wine Bar
What are your hobbies?
I love to read, travel to new places, spend time with friends and family and cook!
What is a random fact about you?
I was a competitive Irish Dancer for more than 11 years!

Tiki Merritt-Curry

Records & Information Management, Alabama Power

Chris Sahawneh

Senior Accountant, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

When reflecting on what inspires him at United Way, Chris said, “You all inspire me. From everyone I have interacted with, it is clear this is not just another job for them. They believe in United Way’s mission and the work we are doing to serve the community. My role would be much more challenging without this level of commitment.”

The LE program has significantly impacted Chris, allowing him to see the direct effects of his contributions by visiting partner agencies and meeting the dedicated staff. This experience has fueled his desire to further engage with the community and contribute more.

Kyle Puchta

Senior Vice President, Regions Bank

Kyle Puchta is Senior Vice President at Regions, where he has served for 17 years, managing Corporate Security, Incident Response and Workplace Safety Programs. With more than 30 years of dedication to United Way, Kyle has served as his department’s United Way Campaign Coordinator for a decade and has served on various UWCA committees, including a five-year stint on the Visiting Allocation Team (VAT). He is also on the board of the Mid-Alabama Red Cross, a UWCA partner agency.

His deepening involvement as a Loaned Executive has furthered his appreciation for the organization. “The LE program has shown me how committed and caring the UWCA staff is,” he said. “Hearing stories from Pacesetter companies about how United Way has supported their friends and families underscores the profound impact of their work.”

Rylee Vaughan

Relationship Manager, United Way of Central Alabama

Rylee finds inspiration in seeing how we tangibly change people’s lives for the better. “The scope of work being done by both our direct services and partner agencies, and our commitment to listening to the community about where it needs us most, truly inspires me,” she said.

Through the LE program, Rylee has come to appreciate the value of creativity and collaboration. “United Way ensures that companies and individuals are positioned for success in making an impact in areas they are passionate about,” she said. “As a result, people are brought together who might not connect otherwise.”