New board leaders join United Way at a pivotal moment for Greenville County
January 13, 2026United Way of Greenville County’s Board of Directors has elected four new community leaders to its Board of Directors for 2026, strengthening the organization’s leadership at a critical moment in its work to address housing instability, educational
During its annual meeting in December, United Way’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the nominations of Dr. Caroline Caldwell, founder and director of New Mind Health and Care; Beth Paul, general manager of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena; Pastor Manuel Izquierdo, community leader and senior pastor of Jesús el Rey Church and Dr. Larry Miller, president of Greenville Technical College. Each will serve on United Way of Greenville County’s 40-member board.
“These leaders bring expertise that directly aligns with where our community, and United Way, is focused right now,” said Meghan Barp, president and CEO of United Way of Greenville County. “Their expertise, passion for service and strong commitment to improving lives will help us deepen our impact and accelerate progress toward long-term solutions. We are honored to welcome them to the board.”
United Way of Greenville County also approved the following Board Members Emeritus, recognizing decades of leadership and service:
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Judge Merl Code, retired professional football player, businessman, lawyer
and judge, recognized as a champion for justice and equity -
Minor Shaw, president of Micco LLC, whose civic leader who has strengthened United Way and the broader community for decades
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Susan Shi, former Furman University first lady who has brought insight, compassion and a deep belief in the power of collective action to her decades of leadership strengthening the systems that support our community.
The Board of Directors will be led by its six-member Executive Committee, approved for a two-year term in 2024:
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Karen Baynes-Dunning, Baynes Dunning Consulting, Chair
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Adam Murphy, Michelin North America, Vice Chair
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Dr. Saria Saccocio, Essence Healthcare, Immediate Past Chair
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Julio Hernandez, Clemson University, Community Impact Committee Chair
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Jim Akerhielm, JENK, LLC, Treasurer and Finance, Technology and Audit Committee Chair
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David Lominack, TD Bank, Secretary
Director Bios
About United Way of Greenville County
United Way of Greenville County brings people and resources together to build a stronger, more equitable community. Through strategic investments and partnerships, United Way supports programs that help families achieve stability in education, financial well-being, and housing. Learn more at unitedwaygc.org.








