United Way of the Midlands Young Leaders Society Members Step Up

Announcing the 2009-2010 YLS Steering Committee Members

COLUMBIA, SC – August 4, 2009 –  Since the inception of United Way of the Midlands’ Young Leaders Society (YLS) just two short years ago, the group has grown from a few founding members to more than 350 emerging leaders who share a deep commitment to making their community a better place for everyone to work and live.

“I have been involved with YLS since the beginning, and I know that the group has done a great deal in terms of new members, new dollars and reaching people that weren’t previously engaged with the United Way,” said Kristie Cross, 2009-2010 YLS Steering Committee Co-Chair. “United Way is the best way to get involved and give back to people who live in the Midlands and YLS is a great way to reach out to the next generation of leaders to ensure that they are engaged in making the Midlands a better place to live.”

The 31 YLS members that have committed to a year of service on the steering committee are stepping up to make a difference by working to advance the mission of United Way of the Midlands.

This diverse group of emerging leaders will be the primary decision makers in the planning and implementation of volunteer projects, social events and recruitment strategies throughout the 2009-2010 fiscal year. 

The dedicated leadership of a few can make a lasting impact and help maximize the benefits of involvement in the organization for all members. Leading the charge are co-chairs Kristie Cross of Palmetto Health and Emily Brady of Chernoff Newman. 

“We have an exciting year ahead beginning with our Ballpark Bash event in August, led by our energetic and focused steering committee,” said Brady. “YLS is a great opportunity for young people to volunteer and give back. As a group, we are also developing future leaders who will help create lasting change for our community, and that is what this is all about.”

Emily Brady

The Ballpark Bash event will be held at Carolina Stadium on August 13 from 6 – 9 pm and will include food, beverages and live entertainment from Might McFly, along with much more.

Kevin Lindler of First Citizens is the YLS secretary and is also a member of United Way of the Midlands Board of Directors. After a two-year term as Chair of the committee Michael Seezen of McNair Law Firm will serve Chair, Ex Officio this year.

Three sub-committees, each of which maintains the responsibility of managing the primary YLS functions, make up the rest of the group. The Professional Development & Marketing Subcommittee Chair is Tiffany Rushton, the Resource Development & Recruiting Subcommittee Chair is Daniel Smith of BB&T and the Volunteer & Social Subcommittee is co-chaired by Michael Scott of Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors, Alvina Harrison and Toni Gaymon, both from UPS.

Others who have committed to directing the work of YLS by serving on the committee are listed below by sub-committee.

Professional Development & Marketing:
Cayci Banks, SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
Tina Herbert, McAngus, Goudelock & Courie
Glenn Marcus, SCANA
Courtney McDuffie, Girl Scouts of SC
John Reeves, Enterprise Rent-a-car
Mark Reynolds, First Citizens Bank
Jemelia Thompson, UPS
Ron Trimmer, Carolina First

Resource Development & Recruiting:
Rhett Brewer, Carolina First
Cameron Currie, Nelson Mullins
Jeff Griffin, Mashburn Construction
Darren Hardin, Elliot Davis
James Harrison, NAI Avant
Andrea Lance, BlueCross BlueShield of SC, BlueChoice HealthPlan of SC
DeWayne Pearson, SC Office of Attorney General
Chandra Siau, First Citizens

Volunteer & Social:
Mary Dell Hayes, Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands
Jason Eckenstein, AT&T
John Hudson, Ellis, Lawhorne & Sims
Allison Spry, SCANA
Dave Wallace, Colonial Life
Carroll Williamson, Columbia Forestry Department

“The commitment of these young people to serve on the YLS Steering Committee is a testament to not only their initiative in taking on leadership roles, but also to their dedication to the community,” said Mac Bennett, United Way of the Midlands President & CEO.   “United Way of the Midlands is honored to have such a distinguished group of young professionals working with us.”

For more information about YLS and the steering committee, visit www.ylsmidlands.com or contact Rion Skinner at [email protected].

About United Way of the Midlands Young Leaders Society

The mission of YLS is to to foster participation, commitment, growth and education of our members to further the goals and objectives of United Way of the Midlands by sustaining a leadership society that focuses on young professionals. Members are Community-oriented individuals ages 21-45 that give $1,000 or more to United Way of the Midlands.

About United Way of the Midlands
 
United Way of the Midlands is the most organized, efficient and accountable system for investing in the community. With more than 80 certified partner agencies, United Way works to identify and respond to the critical human service needs of Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties. Funds are raised through workplace campaigns, grant writing and individual donations. For more information, please visit www.uway.org.