Author: Leslie Schraeder

New Board Trustee Spotlight: H. Rudd Schultze

UWSWA welcomes Harold Rudd Schultze to our Board of Trustees. Rudd is the Division Marketing Manager at Alabama Power. He received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi and has several certifications in energy management and efficiency.

When asked why he accepted the offer to the board, Rudd replied, “I have always believed that it’s not enough to just talk about making a difference. Rather, making a difference takes individual effort as part of a larger team. As a long-time resident of the area, I have supported UWSWA through volunteerism and financial contributions. I have served on a United Way agency board and understand the unique challenges that our agencies face as they work to serve their clients and provide meaningful opportunities for them to strive in this region.”

Friends Helping Friends for United Way

When you shop for your furry friends at B&B Pet Stop, you can help change lives in Southwest Alabama.

Coronavirus Update: Safer At Home V

11.05.2020 –  On Thursday Governor Kay Ivey  issued her nineteenth supplemental emergency proclamation containing an amended Safer at Home Order that includes a statewide mask requirement. Individuals will be required to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people, as described in the order. This amended order extends until Friday, December 11, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. .

New Board Trustee Spotlight: Bud McCrory

UWSWA welcomes Bud McCrory to our Board of Trustees. Bud works as the Assistant Director of Administration for Mobile Water and Sewer System. He has a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of South Alabama.

When asked why he accepted the invitation to the board, Bud responded, “to continue to grow a great organization with a great mission that I believe in.”

Hurricane Zeta Update – Community Resources Available

Thousands of families throughout Choctaw, Clarke, Mobile, and Washington Counties were severely affected by Hurricane Zeta. For many, the effects of Zeta have compounded the issues they already faced from Hurricane Sally and Covid-19. For others, this is the first time they need help. As part of the Hurricane Zeta Relief and Recovery, United Way of Southwest Alabama is working with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Local Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), faith based organizations, and others to collect data about available resources in Choctaw, Clarke, Mobile, and Washington Counties. 

New Board Trustee Spotlight: Kelly Collins Woodford

UWSWA welcomes Kelly Collins Woodford to our Board of Trustees. Kelly is the Associate Dean and Professor of Management at the University of South Alabama’s Mitchell College of Business. Kelly has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Spring Hill College and a Doctor of Laws from Georgetown University Law Center.

When asked why she accepted the invitation to the board, Kelly replied, “Joining the UWSWA Board of Trustees provides a unique opportunity to make a difference in our community. Having lived in Mobile most of my life, I’ve worked with a number of the partner agencies and have seen the difference those partner agencies make in the lives of others.”

Allie Leavitt Joins the United Way as the 2020 Loaned Executive

United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) is proud to announce that Allie Leavitt is serving as their 2020 Campaign Loaned Executive. Allie works with the Resource Development team to develop relationships with key constituents and identify viable opportunities for growth for the 2020 Campaign.

“I am grateful to be a part of United Way’s mission of improving and strengthening our incredible community,” Allie said. “and I am excited to be back in Mobile working as a Loaned Executive”.

New Board Trustee Spotlight: Audra Harper

UWSWA welcomes Audra Harper to our Board of Trustees. Audra is the Operations Administrator at Harper Technologies, LLC. She works with operations, budgeting, financial analysis and contract management, all while finding time to serve her local community.

When asked why she accepted her invitation to the board, she replied, “I feel that the mission of the UWSWA directly aligns with my moral compass and who I strive to be as a citizen with a desire to serve her community. I also feel that my business experience and the compassion by which I govern myself can be used to help continue to move the organization forward. I am honored to be of service in whatever capacity is needed.”

New Board Trustee Spotlight: Christian White

UWSWA welcomes Christian White to our Board of Trustees. Christian graduate from Hampton-Sydney College in 2003 and now works as the Market Executive at Regions. He and his family of four, wife Emily and two sons James and Whit attend St. Paul’s Episcopal Church; they enjoy spending time as a family and living along the beautiful Gulf Coast.

Award Winners’ Spotlight: Brent Barkin

UWSWA would like to congratulate Brent Barkin for his 2020 award of Philanthropist of the Year. Brent graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University and the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. He is now the President of Shoe Station and oversees and ensures the company’s success and future. His father Terry S. Barkin founded the company and Brent continues to honor his legacy at Shoe Station today.