United Way of the Coastal Empire has named its 2026-27 board of directors, bringing together leaders from businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and community organizations across Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty and Long counties.
Board members began their terms July 1, according to a community announcement. The organization said the board will help guide efforts aimed at improving quality of life and addressing community needs throughout its five-county service area.
"We are incredibly grateful to welcome this outstanding group of community leaders to United Way’s board of directors,” said Kimberly Waller, president and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire. “Their diverse perspectives, expertise and commitment to our community will
be invaluable as we work together to address the challenges facing individuals and families across our five-county region."
The nonprofit also announced that Cindy Robinett, a partner at Sterling Seacrest Pritchard, will serve as board chair for the 2026-27 term.
United Way said Robinett will work with board members, regional advisory groups and staff as the organization carries out its mission across the region.
"Savannah and the surrounding communities are experiencing incredible momentum, but growth alone does not guarantee that everyone will thrive," Robinett said. "I’m excited to work alongside our board, staff and community partners to help ensure individuals and families have access to the support and resources they need. United Way of the Coastal Empire plays a vital role in bringing people together to create great impact, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help advance this work.”
Executive committee leaders named
The executive committee includes:
- Board Chair: Cindy Robinett, Sterling Seacrest Pritchard
- Board Vice Chair: Jay Wilson, International Paper
- Immediate Past Chair: Cecilia Russo Turner, Cecilia Russo Marketing
- Campaign Chair: Cecilia Tran Arango, Thomas & Hutton
- Campaign Vice Chair: Trip Tollison, Savannah Economic Development Authority
- Treasurer: Ken Rabitsch, Synovus
- Secretary: Ryan Chandler, Colonial Group Inc.
- Community Investments Chair: Taffanye Young, City of Savannah
- Marketing, Volunteers & Events Chair: Somi Benson-Jaja, Shot by Somi
- Race, Equity, and Opportunity Chair: Kimberly Ballard-Washington, KBW Legal & HR Consulting
- Strategic Plan Chair: Jennifer Davenport, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce & Visit Savannah
- At-Large: Mark Bennett, Gulfstream Aerospace
- At-Large: Kathryn Downs, Bryan County government
- At-Large: Paul Mosley, International Longshoremen’s Association, Local 1414
- At-Large: Jamie McCurry, Plimsoll Advisors
New directors join board
Incoming directors are:
- Will Johnson, Evans General Contractors
- Brian Tieman, HMGMA
- Charles Pennington, Georgia Ports Authority
- Ken Rabitsch, Synovus
- Pastor Charles Roberson, Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship
- Moncello Stewart, Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce, Savannah State University
- Trip Tollison, Savannah Economic Development Authority
Incoming appointed liaison directors are:
- Agency Executive Council: Jennifer Graham, Shelter from the Rain
- UWCE Young Leaders: Caitlin Burwinkel, Thomas & Hutton
- Bryan County Advisory Board: Chris Benson, City of Pembroke
- Effingham County Advisory Board: Trisha Boyett, Edward Jones
- Liberty County Advisory Board: Danny Creasy, Ameris Bank
Returning members continue service
Returning directors include Kathleen Anderson, David Burkoff, Lisa Colbert, Linda Cramer, Stephanie Cutter, Greg Finch, Marsha Fogarty, Yancy Ford, Catherine Grant, Lenny Gunther, Ben Hart, David Hart, Nolan Hennessee, Tonia Howard-Hall, Sarah Jones, Bill Kelso, Bob Klausmeier, Heath Lloyd, Quentin Marlin, William Mock, Kyle Redner, Mark Sprosty, Ansley Threlkeld, Julie Tyre, Steve Walker, Courtney West, Derek White and Austin Wright.
According to the announcement, the board provides strategic leadership and guidance as United Way of the Coastal Empire works with community partners throughout the Coastal Empire.
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This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: United Way of the Coastal Empire names new board
