On November 14, United Way of Northwest Georgia hosted its annual Leaders United training, a one-day program designed to identify, recruit, and connect volunteers to leadership and policy-making positions within nonprofit organizations in Northwest Georgia. This program equipped participants with the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

What is Leaders United?
Leaders United identifies, recruits, and connects local volunteers to leadership and policy-making roles across Northwest Georgia, such as nonprofit boards of directors, committees, and allocation review panels. United is the way we develop strong, informed community leaders.

What Participants Experienced:
Attendees explored critical topics through interactive sessions, including:
•    Board Roles and Responsibilities
•    Legal and Fiduciary Obligations
•    Nonprofit Fundraising and Finance
•    Marketing & Storytelling
•    Community Building

2025 Guest Speakers: The program featured insights from esteemed leaders, including:
•    Amanda Burt, President, United Way of Northwest Georgia
•    Savannah Coquerille, Director of Marketing and Communications, United Way of Northwest Georgia
•    Rob Cowan, Attorney, Cowan Law Firm & United Way Supporter
•    Dr. Carl J. Gabrini, Interim Assistant Dean, Dalton State College, Wright School of Business & United Way Community Solutions Panel Chair
•    Sandee Hooper, Community Volunteer & United Way Board Member
•    David Pennington, IV, Managing Director, Advanced Insurance Strategies & 2025 United Way Campaign Co-Chair, & United Way Board Member
•    Amy Ross, Director of Donor Relations, United Way of Northwest Georgia
•    Jill Schubert, VP – Strategic Sourcing and Accounts Payable, Mohawk Industries & United Way Board Chair
•    Lauren Sneary, Sr. Director of Communications, Mohawk Industries, & United Way Board Member
•    Margaret Zeisig, Director of Community Solutions, United Way of Northwest Georgia

Connecting Leaders to Nonprofits:
Leaders United works to match volunteers with nonprofit leadership roles across Northwest Georgia. Whether serving on boards of directors, committees, or allocation review panels, the program helped align participants with organizations whose missions complemented their skills and interests. Graduates of the program continue to receive support from the United Way Volunteer Center, which provides referrals to nonprofit organizations, ensuring a smooth transition into impactful leadership roles.

Certificates of Completion were presented to:
Tina Dean (Red Cross), Stephanie Skojac (Murray 4H), Samantha Emmett (Shaw), Katora Printup (Family Crisis Center), Kaitlin Kuykendall (Shaw/Family Crisis Center Board), Linda Dot-son (GreenHouse), Crissy Victoriano Ross (Shaw), Paula Glover (Shaw), Tammy Burek (Boy Scouts), Jada Watson (Shaw), Margaret Venable (GreenHouse Board), Dave Robinson (Green-House Board), Haley Chapman (Mohawk), Kevin Tanenbaum (Mohawk), Blake Childers (Mo-hawk), Misti Bowers (Hamilton Healthcare System), Tandy Burggraf (Emerald Carpets).

When there is a community need, United Way of Northwest Georgia is there. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibilities in Whitfield and Murray counties. United Way is proud to have hosted Leaders United 2025, fostering a new generation of leaders dedicated to driving positive change in their communities. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.ourunitedway.org.

United is the Way we lead!