United Way of Southwest Alabama recognized five individuals, businesses, and community organizations for their outstanding contributions to Washington County during its 2026 Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon on Friday, November 6, at the Washington County Sheriff’s Training Center in Chatom.

 The luncheon featured keynote speaker Jessica Massey Ross, Ph.D., Director of Economic Development for CMC Gas and former Director of the Washington County Public Library. A Washington County native with more than 22 years of experience in nonprofit administration, fundraising, and community development, Ross spoke about resilience and the strength of rural communities.

 

Ross drew parallels between the resilience individuals develop through personal hardships and the strength communities build when facing challenges together. She highlighted how rural communities like Chatom and others throughout Washington County have learned to adapt, persevere, and support one another through difficult times. Ross connected that spirit of resilience to the work of United Way and other community organizations, emphasizing how local partnerships, shared resources, and neighbors helping neighbors strengthen communities and help them overcome challenges.

 

Chatom Mayor Harold Crouch welcomed guests, and United Way Manager of Regional Development and County Relations Sierra Skipper presented the awards. Jamie Crouch of the Washington County Extension Office introduced Ross. United Way President and CEO Justine Herlihy Bixler delivered closing remarks, reflecting on the organization’s accomplishments and its Centennial celebration.

 

2026 Washington County Award Recipients

 

United Way recognized the following honorees for their generosity, volunteer service, and dedication to improving lives throughout Washington County.

 

Outstanding Campaign Coordinator: Tammy Beech, SmartBank. A United Way supporter since 2008, Beech coordinates SmartBank’s workplace fundraising campaign and encourages employees to support local programs and services. In 2025, SmartBank employee contributions increased nearly 19% over the previous year. Although Beech was unable to attend, United Way recognized her longstanding commitment to the organization.

 

Heart of Gold Award: Michael Toomey. A longtime community volunteer and former United Way Board Trustee, Toomey continues to serve Washington County through community projects, United Way’s Day of Caring, and Millry Baptist Church. Previously honored with the Heart of Gold Award in 2023, Toomey remains dedicated to helping his neighbors following his retirement from Thompson Gas.

 

Outstanding Campaign: Tate & Lyle. With United Way campaign records dating to 1999, Tate & Lyle and its employees have generated more than $1.17 million in recorded pledges. Its 2025 campaign raised more than $28,000 in pledges, including more than $12,000 from employees. The company has maintained a longstanding tradition of corporate support and employee giving.

 

Edith Wilcox Volunteer Award: Winston Waite Jr., BASF. A member of United Way’s Washington County Committee since 2014, Waite has helped organize BASF workplace fundraising activities, including the Tailgate Cookout and Chili Cookoff, and has participated in volunteer projects benefiting United Way Partner Agency The Arc of Southwest Alabama. He previously received the W.O. Mozingo Community Service Labor Award in 2017 and United Way’s Heart of Gold Award in 2024.

 

Outstanding Community Partner: Washington County Extension Office. Part of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the Extension Office provides educational programs and resources supporting youth development, health, nutrition, agriculture, financial management, and community development. Its efforts include organizing a Community Baby Shower for expectant mothers and families in Washington and Clarke Counties and actively supporting United Way’s Washington County Committee.

 

The honorees received United Way’s Circle of Hope Awards, custom handblown glass creations by local studio Muffinjaw Designs. Inspired by the United Way logo, the awards symbolize unity, resilience, and hope.

 

During the 2025–26 fiscal year, United Way and its Partner Agencies helped serve 19,050 people in Washington County through programs supporting children, families, and individuals facing challenges. United Way has served Washington County since 1980, working with local donors, volunteers, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to address community needs.

 

The luncheon also highlighted United Way’s 100 Years of Impact celebration. Founded in 1926, the organization will mark the 100th anniversary of its incorporation on March 22, 2027, recognizing a century of bringing people and resources together to strengthen Southwest Alabama.

 

United Way thanks SmartBank for sponsoring the luncheon and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for providing the Sheriff’s Training Center. The organization also extends its appreciation to Mayor Harold Crouch, Rev. Dr. Richmond Chaney, and students Avery Owens of Washington County High School and Zamarre Taylor of Fruitdale High School for their participation in the program.

 

Event Photos: View photographs from the luncheon at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjDaMK4.