United Way of Southwest Alabama proudly honored the exceptional individuals and organizations whose service, generosity, and leadership are building stronger communities across Southwest Alabama. These honorees embody the spirit of United Way. They show that when we come together, we can create lasting change.

REGIONAL AWARDS

Affinity Group Member of the Year: Samuel Feibelman, Jr., Trustmark
As a member of the Emerging Leaders Steering Committee, Feibelman goes far beyond simply showing up. He serves in the Allocations process, lends a hand at volunteer projects, and advocates for United Way in his workplace and the broader community. He is helping shape the future of Emerging Leaders while modeling commitment, collaboration, and service.

Outstanding Board Service: Kandace Breeland, Publix
Breeland, a Manager at Publix Bickley Station, joined the Board of Trustees recently and immediately immersed herself in United Way’s work. She volunteers at events, participates in Allocations, advocates inside her company, and brings her trademark energy to every effort. Her enthusiasm, reliability, and generosity have made her a vital part of the team.

W.O. Mozingo Community Service Award: Jay Schuelly, Southeastern Carpenters Regional Council Local 318
Schuelly, Business Manager for Carpenters Local 318, has become a driving force within the Southwest Alabama Labor Council. His leadership has strengthened labor’s role in planning and hosting community-focused events, ensuring union members are actively connected to the causes that need them most.

Heart of Platinum Award: Frank Harkins, Goodwill Gulf Coast
Harkins, who is retiring this October after 45 years in the nonprofit sector, has led Goodwill Gulf Coast since 1979. Under his guidance, the organization expanded far beyond its original vocational rehabilitation mission to include early childhood programs, GED preparation, English language and literacy support, autism evaluations, and adult day programs for people with disabilities. His lifelong partnership with United Way has strengthened countless families across the region.

Philanthropist of the Year: Elliot Maisel, Gulf Distributing Holdings
Maisel has created jobs and opportunities across Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi while giving generously to education, healthcare, and community development initiatives. His recent $5 million gift to the University of South Alabama medical school will leave a lasting legacy on regional health and education.

Outstanding New Partner: QuikTrip
In their first year partnering with United Way, QuikTrip raised $27,703. Their enthusiastic participation and generosity have already built momentum for a strong, long-term partnership in Southwest Alabama.

Outstanding Partner Agency: USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital
One of United Way’s newest partners, the hospital has already become integral to expanding The Basics Southwest Alabama. Their work helped drive a 290% increase in participation in early childhood learning and they are a major part of the University of South Alabama Health System’s campaign, which raised more than $150,000 this year.

Outstanding Community Partner: Mobile County Public School System
MCPSS has been instrumental in expanding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library across Mobile County, investing $225,000 and driving a 482% increase in enrollment. This effort ensures thousands more children are starting school ready to learn and thrive.

Spirit of the United Way Award: Kimberly-Clark
Over three decades, Kimberly-Clark has invested more than $6 million through United Way. This year, their innovative product incentive program raised $12,000, and they donated remaining diapers to local families in need. As a Platinum-level sponsor, campaign leader, and volunteer powerhouse, Kimberly-Clark embodies the spirit of United Way.

MOBILE COUNTY

Heart of Gold Award: Forrest Williams
Nominated by Wilmer Hall, Williams led the 16th Annual Pancake Breakfast to raise more than $30,000 which was enough to fully support a young mother and her child for a year. He also rolled up his sleeves, cooking, cleaning, and doing whatever it took to ensure the event’s success. Beyond Wilmer Hall, he volunteers tirelessly with American Cancer Society, St. Paul’s Episcopal School, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, giving generously of his time and heart.

Outstanding Campaign Coordinator: Garrett Powe, ServisFirst Bank
Powe’s leadership fueled a $5,049 increase in giving and 100% participation at ServisFirst. He also encouraged his colleagues to participate in Allocations and supported fundraising events year-round, deepening the connection between the bank and the community.

Outstanding Campaign: World Omni Financial Corp.
World Omni’s 2024 campaign raised $78,000, a 169% increase, with 86% employee participation and 48 leadership-level donors. Their success reflects strategic leadership, creative engagement, and a deeply rooted culture of giving.

CHOCTAW COUNTY

Heart of Gold Award: Dee Ann Campbell, Choctaw Sun-Advocate & Choctaw Chamber of Commerce
Campbell is deeply woven into the fabric of Choctaw County. As a journalist, photographer, and chamber director, she promotes local businesses, supports nonprofits, volunteers with numerous events, and uses her platform to amplify local causes—often donating advertising space or covering stories pro bono.

Outstanding Community Champion: Brett Allred, Georgia-Pacific
Allred serves on United Way’s Board of Trustees and the campaign committee, representing Choctaw County’s voice while fostering meaningful corporate and community partnerships throughout the region.

Outstanding Campaign Award: Alabama Bulk Terminal – Hunt Refining
Their team raised $11,000 locally and $37,000 overall, blending strong workplace giving with hands-on engagement to support United Way programs across all four impact areas.

Outstanding Community Partner: Williams
Williams partnered with United Way to distribute more than 10,000 pounds of food to 250 families and led a local campaign that raised $2,500. They continue to pair giving with meaningful

CLARKE COUNTY

Heart of Gold Award: Clara Davis Carson
Carson has championed disaster relief, health outreach, and skills training across Clarke County. She mentors others in leadership and service, strengthens local committees, and empowers neighbors with opportunities to contribute and grow.

Outstanding Campaign Coordinator: Beverly Dozier, First US Bank
Dozier organized a thoughtful, motivating campaign that engaged her colleagues and ensured First US Bank’s impact reached deep into the community.

Outstanding Campaign: Westervelt Lumber
Westervelt employees raised nearly $70,000 this year and $243,000 over the past five years, directly supporting 17,881 Clarke County residents with essential services.

Outstanding Community Partner: Sybil & White Smith Foundation
The foundation’s $10,000 gift supported the Clarke County Outreach Center and other programs that improve local quality of life, strengthen services, and empower families.

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Heart of Gold Award: Connie Abrams
Abrams volunteers with Rebuilding Together South Alabama and American Red Cross, helping people with disabilities and disaster survivors stay safe, comfortable, and supported in their homes.

Edith Wilcox Award: Jessica Odom, The Arc of Southwest Alabama
Odom leads The Arc with compassion and determination, expanding opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities while advocating broadly for inclusion and community engagement.

Outstanding Campaign Coordinator: Gina Daugherty, Huntsman
Daugherty brings creativity and heart to her campaigns, inspiring colleagues and sustaining a culture of generosity that has anchored Huntsman’s giving for years.

Outstanding Campaign: Huntsman
Huntsman has given nearly $1 million since 1998, combining enthusiastic employee campaigns with generous corporate matching to uplift Washington County families.

Outstanding Community Partner: BASF
BASF raised $23,000 last year and has contributed more than $2.9 million since 1998. Their employees serve on local committees, sponsor Day of Caring and the Washington County Golf Tournament, and advocate for United Way across the county.

These honorees reflect the heart of United Way, They prove that when we unite our efforts, we create stronger communities, brighter futures, and lasting change for us all.