Board of Directors
The United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties, Inc., is registered non-profit organization providing financial, volunteer and professional resources to effectively and efficiently meet needs in Lake and Sumter Counties, most commonly in the areas of Income Support, Education, and Health. In many ways, the United Way exists because of our generous volunteers and their efforts. Each member of our Board of Directors is a volunteer and often a donor. Professionals, leaders, influencers, givers, and supporters are all accurate words to describe each of our Board Members and as you will see below, they come from multiple avenues, industries, and rich backgrounds.
If you have a heart for giving, a talent for finance, a volunteer spirit, or wish simply to leave a legacy that makes a difference, you may be our ideal new Board Member candidate. We are honored by your interest. We are also grateful to our new and long-serving Board Members who’s information you will see below. It is because of their efforts that we continue to be better and better.
To learn more about applying for Board Membership, contact our Board Chair or our Board Secretary, both members of our Executive Board of Directors.
To review our Board Membership Application, download the PDF here.
Learn More About Michael...
Learn More About Laura...
Associate Vice President Institutional Advancement / Executive Director Foundation
Dr. Byrd witnessed the impact of United Way for more than 15 years in North Carolina. She worked with NC State University and had a partnership through the 4-H Youth Development program to assist with youth programs in disadvantages areas. She also has been part of the employee campaigns. Dr. Byrd wants to contribute to the work that United Way performs in both Lake and Sumter Counties. There are many deserving organizations that make a difference in the lives of so many in need. She is always amazed when she hears of the projects United Way serves. It is amazing the difference made with limited funds. She wants to be part of making a difference.
Learn More About Gene...
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Learn More About Emily...
Emily is a recipient of the Mr. George Community Service Award which recognized her as an outstanding member in the community through her volunteer efforts and giving. She personally volunteered over 250 hours and organized hundreds of Publix volunteers whom volunteered over 1700 hours as a group.
Emily has also personally given financial support to UWLS over her thirteen years with Publix. She began working closely with UWLS through volunteer efforts since 2015. Through those efforts, she has formed relationships with several of the organizations in our area. Emily led the 2017 UWLS campaign for Publix, attended and helped organize the “Seeing is Believing” tour, learning more of how the money is used and some of the parties that receive funding.
Emily is also a member of Life Church Assembly of God where she is currently serving as a choir member, praise team singer, and working with youth through music coaching.
Learn More About Laura...
Learn More About Gary...
Gary has shared his expertise with and now serves on our Educational Programs Advisory Board and has been an active supporter of our Stronger Families Program. Dedicated to service, Gary is consistently seeking ways in which to serve, support, share his time, and collaboratively build ways to create even more resources in his community.
Learn More About Kenneth...
Learn More About Connie...
Learn More About Heath....
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Dr. Adrian Manley was a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with South Lake Family Counseling Services and The Pastor of Christ Centered Fellowship in Clermont.
Adrian grew up in Groveland and was honored to partner with the United Way of Lake & Sumter Co. to fulfill his personal mission to help, uplift, encourage, and inspire.
We value diversity…
At United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are. Our commitment to these values is unwavering – across all of our work in both of our two counties we have the pleasure of serving. They are central to our mission and vision, as well as our community impact. We know that having varied perspectives, backgrounds, and points of view, are able to help generate better ideas to solve the complex problems of a changing—and increasingly diverse—world.