Get ready to roll up your sleeping bag and pack your camp spirit—because the 2025 United Way Campaign is here! This year, husband-and-wife team Sara and David Pennington are leading the way as Campaign Co-Chairs. With their enthusiasm and dedication, this campaign will spark new possibilities for families across Whitfield and Murray counties.
Sara and David Pennington, IV are passionate community leaders who call Dalton home, where they live with their three children—Ella Gray, Georgie, and Penn. Together, they are proud Tocqueville Society members and share a deep commitment to giving back and investing in their hometown through United Way of Northwest Georgia.
David, a Georgia College & State University graduate, is the Managing Director of Advanced Insurance Strategies, a member of the United Way Board of Directors, and a Campaign Cabinet member. He has been a Big Buddy with Big Brothers Big Sisters, taught Sunday School, and coached lacrosse for eight years at Dalton High School. He enjoys golf, Georgia football, Braves baseball, and coaching in his free time.
Sara, born and raised in Dalton and a graduate of Dalton State College, is a devoted community volunteer and stay-at-home mom. She actively serves at Westwood School and Hammond Creek Middle School, where her children attend. She is a member of United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council and a trustee for the Dalton Education Foundation. Sara’s passion for education and service drives her to be a positive voice in the community.
Last year, United Way helped change more than 50,000 lives in our community. Sara and David are determined to build on that legacy, following the inspiring leadership of Bradley Austin and Karen Townsend. “Bradley and Karen set the bar high, but Sara and I are ready to kick off the 2025 campaign in a big way,” David shared.
At United Way, we believe in the power of people and connections. Life can be challenging, but United Way focuses on advancing health and education to strengthen livelihoods and local resilience. Donations stay local, fueling programs that feed the hungry, provide safe spaces for children, and help families meet their basic needs.
Join us at Burr Park on September 18, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 PM for the Campaign Kickoff and CEO Trike Race. The Penningtons, Campaign Cabinet, and United Way Board of Directors will reveal this year’s campaign goal. The evening will continue with the pedal-powered fun of the CEO Trike Race, dinner in the park, and live music by Doc Martens Flannel Review. Dinner tickets are $15 and available in advance or at the event. Don’t forget to bring your camping chair!
Let’s give a big thank you to Sara and David Pennington as they lead and inspire us into another exciting year of mobilizing donors, advocates, and volunteers. Together, we are creating a stronger community where every person has the opportunity to thrive.
United is the Way!
Sara and David Pennington are the Campaign Co-Chairs of the 2025 United Way of Northwest Georgia Campaign. Amanda Burt is the President of United Way of Northwest Georgia. The mission of United Way is Improving Lives. Inspiring Donors. Uniting Community.