At United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA), building stronger communities starts with dedicated team members such as Garrett Summers. As a Relationship Manager in the Resource Development department, Garrett brings energy, purpose and a deep commitment to our mission.
From Indiana to Alabama: A Career Fueled by Purpose
Originally from Indiana, Garrett attended Indiana University and remains an enthusiastic IU sports fan. He and his fiancée Ali, however, were seeking a place with warmer weather and more opportunities to explore the outdoors with their dog Ray-Ray. As Garrett began exploring nonprofit careers, United Way consistently stood out.
Drawn to the organization’s mission and impact, he joined UWCA in the summer of 2022 and quickly found both personal and professional growth. Today, Garrett and his family live in Trussville, where they are active in their faith community and proud to be part of Greater Birmingham.
What a Relationship Manager Does
In his role at United Way, Garrett helps build and maintain the connections that fuel UWCA’s work across Central Alabama. His responsibilities evolve throughout the year.
- Quarter 1: Reviewing campaign data, identifying new opportunities and recruiting volunteers.
- Quarter 2: Meeting with corporate partners and volunteers to prepare for campaign season.
- Quarter 3: Leading the Pacesetter Campaign and setting the tone for the year’s fundraising goals.
- Quarter 4: Overseeing the annual campaign and supporting workplace volunteers and Loaned Executives.
“I love feeling like I’m making a difference, and I get to do that here every day,” Garrett said. “Hearing stories of real impact keeps me motivated.”
Garrett plays a key role in our Loaned Executive Program, a 13-week working session during which participants develop and implement company campaigns by working with top management and employee campaign coordinators. Garrett guides these individuals as they grow their skills, build confidence and connect more people to UWCA’s mission.
Learn More About Our Loaned Executive Program
Click HereA Culture that Invests in People
At UWCA, making a difference in the community starts with supporting our team. Employees benefit from wellness resources, professional development and generous paid time off to promote work-life balance.
“Fall gets hectic — you’re constantly on the go during campaign season,” Garrett said. “But afterwards, we have time to reset and recharge. There’s also real opportunity to grow here.”
Even as UWCA has grown, it remains a place where every employee’s work matters — and where the entire team shares a common goal. As Garrett puts it, “It feels good to work where everyone is pulling in the same direction.”
Find Your Place at UWCA
Looking for meaningful work with a mission-driven organization? UWCA is seeking individuals who want to make a difference.
Explore career opportunities here and join us in building a stronger Central Alabama.
This blog originally appeared on Bham Now’s “Meet one Indiana transplant making a difference in Birmingham now”