Union Uplifted welcomes first Executive Director

Union Uplifted, a cradle-to-career initiative with United Way of the Piedmont serving as the lead partner organization, has named its first Executive Director. Joey Haney, retired Union County Schools Superintendent, will step into the role beginning July 13.

Union Uplifted grew from more than two years of deep listening across Union County: 26 community conversations, more than 850 residents who shared their hopes and concerns, and 39 community champions who stepped forward to help shape the work. It is a partnership anchored by Union County School District, United Way of the Piedmont, and Spartanburg Academic Movement, with partners from healthcare, business, higher education, government, faith communities, and the nonprofit sector. Guided by the StriveTogether framework, Union Uplifted is designed to ensure that every child in Union County has the support they need from prenatal through career.

Haney brings nearly 30 years of K-12 educational experience to the role, including superintendent and district-level executive leadership. A Union County native who returned to lead the school district in 2020, he brings deep community knowledge and wide respect across every sector of the county.

“I am excited about the mission and the opportunity to lead a cradle-to-career initiative that aligns partners, strengthens outcomes for children and families, and builds long-term community capacity,” said Haney.

With its first Executive Director in place, Union Uplifted moves into full implementation this summer. The partnership has already secured office space at Main Street Junction in Union and finalized roles across its Leadership Council, Community Advisory Board, and Collaborative Action Networks.

The next steps for Union Uplifted are built on a simple belief: every child in Union County deserves a clear path from a strong start to a meaningful future. The work ahead is to make that path real.