Margaret Zeisig celebrates 40 Years of Listening, Leading, and Investing in Our Community

Forty years ago, I walked into my interview with Nancy Hilley planning to explain why I wasn’t qualified for the secretary position. The job description required shorthand, and I didn’t have that skill. Nancy listened and then told me, “No, you are not qualified for that position, but you are perfect for the Service Development Director position, so please stay.” I stayed, and I’ve been here ever since.
 

At the time, Nancy had just raised the first million-dollar United Way campaign and needed staff to support the tremendous volunteer effort behind it. My degree in sociology, with a concentration in social data analysis, turned out to be a great fit. I began supporting the finance committee, planning committee, and the fund distribution committee, work that would eventually evolve into what we now call Community Solutions.

When Nancy later announced she was retiring to the beaches of Gulf Shores, she encouraged me to consider the Executive Director role. I felt confident and fulfilled in the work I was already doing and continued focusing on supporting our community impact efforts. As the board began its search for the organization’s next leader, that path ultimately led to the recruitment of David Aft from Little Rock, an experienced United Way leader whose family roots in the movement helped guide United Way of Northwest Georgia into the 21st century.
 

When David later left to lead the Community Foundation, I encouraged Amanda Burt to apply for the President’s position. I knew Amanda had valuable experience with United Way here in Dalton, in Atlanta, and through her work with Dalton State College’s endowment program. Her leadership has allowed me to turn what I once thought would be a 20-year career into 40.

In 2001, I helped staff the United Way merger with the Voluntary Action Center, bringing the Volunteer Center and Information and Referral services into Community Solutions. While the Volunteer Center now operates separately, our Information and Referral efforts continue to provide valuable insight into emerging community needs and allow us to connect people with specific assistance. I am especially proud of our efforts to be inclusive of the entire community and to provide resources wherever they are needed.
 

Over the years, I have helped lead whole-community needs assessments as well as focused studies on issues such as poverty, mental health, teen challenges, after-school time, food insecurity, dental services, and housing. Today, we are expanding our work to support ALICE families, those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, yet Employed. Our research continues to show the connection between stable housing and educational success, and we have invested resources to help turn housing into homes for displaced families with children.
 

I am also proud of the many community collaborations United Way has helped bring together. One example is the Church Safety Summit, where law enforcement agencies from both counties, the Family Support Council, and United Way work together to help church members keep their congregations, especially children, safe. We have also been part of Family Connections in Whitfield and Murray counties since their inception. Our efforts in neighborhoods such as Cliff Apartments and the Beechland Circle area have extended beyond the partners we fund, bringing in the additional resources residents need.

During my 40 years with United Way of Northwest Georgia, our community has raised more than $131 million to support programs serving Whitfield and Murray counties. Those funds are allocated by dedicated community volunteers, and I deeply appreciate their service and long-term commitment. Their experience and perspective help ensure that complex decisions are made thoughtfully and that resources are used as effectively as possible.
 

My work family has rallied around me in good times and in tough times, and I have been fortunate to call them friends. If you see me on Facebook, you’ll notice my title is “Chief Life Officer at Zeisig Home,” because my family will always be my top priority. United Way has given me the opportunity to balance a thriving family life with meaningful work.

I know the reason I have been able to stay this long is because of the volunteers. These special people care deeply about this community, and it has been an honor to collaborate with them to make Murray and Whitfield counties a better place to live, work, and play. I have been truly blessed.

Here’s to continuing the work together for many years to come.

Margaret Zeisig
Director of Community Solutions
United Way of Northwest Georgia