United Way of the Coastal Empire has welcomed a new slate of community leaders to its 2026-27 board of directors, bringing together representatives from businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and community organizations across Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty and Long counties.
Board members began their terms July 1, 2026, and will help guide the organization’s efforts to improve lives and strengthen communities throughout the five-county region.
“We are incredibly grateful to welcome this outstanding group of community leaders to United Way’s board of directors,” said Kimberly Waller, president and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire. “Their diverse perspectives, expertise and commitment to our community will be invaluable as we work together to address the challenges facing individuals and families across our five-county region. We’re excited about what we can accomplish together and the opportunity to create lasting, meaningful change throughout the Coastal Empire.”
Cindy Robinett, partner at Sterling Seacrest Pritchard, has been appointed chair of United Way’s board of directors for the 2026-27 term. She will work closely with the board, regional advisory groups and United Way staff to strengthen the organization’s impact across its five-county service area. The board provides strategic leadership and guidance, helping UWCE respond to the most pressing needs facing individuals and families across the Coastal Empire.
“It is an honor and a privilege to serve as board chair during such a transformative time for our region,” said Robinett. “Savannah and the surrounding communities are experiencing incredible momentum, but growth alone does not guarantee that everyone will thrive. I’m excited to work alongside our board, staff and community partners to help ensure individuals and families have access to the support and resources they need. United Way of the Coastal Empire plays a vital role in bringing people together to create great impact, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help advance this work.”
Executive Committee:
Board Chair: Cindy Robinett, Sterling Seacrest Pritchard
Board Vice Chair: Jay Wilson, International Paper
Immediate Past Chair: Cecilia Russo Turner, Cecilia Russo Marketing
Campaign Chair: Cecilia Tran Arango, Thomas & Hutton
Campaign Vice Chair: Trip Tollison, Savannah Economic Development Authority
Treasurer: Ken Rabitsch, Synovus
Secretary: Ryan Chandler, Colonial Group Inc.
Community Investments Chair: Taffanye Young, City of Savannah
Marketing, Volunteers & Events Chair: Somi Benson-Jaja, Shot by Somi
Race, Equity, and Opportunity Chair: Kimberly Ballard-Washington, KBW Legal & HR Consulting
Strategic Plan Chair: Jennifer Davenport, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce & Visit Savannah
At-Large: Mark Bennett, Gulfstream Aerospace
At-Large: Kathryn Downs, Bryan County government
At-Large: Paul Mosley, International Longshoremen’s Association, Local 1414
At-Large: Jamie McCurry, Plimsoll Advisors
Incoming Directors
Will Johnson, Evans General Contractors
Brian Tieman, HMGMA
Charles Pennington, Georgia Ports Authority
Ken Rabitsch, Synovus
Pastor Charles Roberson, Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship
Moncello Stewart, Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce, Savannah State University
Trip Tollison, Savannah Economic Development Authority
Incoming Appointed Liaison Directors:
Agency Executive Council: Jennifer Graham, Shelter from the Rain
UWCE Young Leaders: Caitlin Burwinkel, Thomas & Hutton
Bryan County Advisory Board: Chris Benson, City of Pembroke
Effingham County Advisory Board: Trisha Boyett, Edward Jones
Liberty County Advisory Board: Danny Creasy, Ameris Bank
Returning Directors
Kathleen Anderson, marketing consultant
David Burkoff, HunterMaclean
Judge Lisa Colbert, Chatham County Superior Court
Linda Cramer, Chatham County government
Stephanie Cutter, Chatham Area Transit Authority
Greg Finch, Bouhan Falligant
Marsha Fogarty, WTOC
Dr. Yancy Ford, Effingham County Schools
Catherine Grant, ExperCARE
Chief Lenny Gunther, Savannah Police Department
Ben Hart, WJCL
David Hart, WSAV
Nolan Hennessee, St. Joseph’s/Candler
Tonia Howard-Hall, Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education
Sarah Jones, Truist
Bill Kelso, Goodwill of Southeast Georgia
Bob Klausmeier, Rise and Flow
Heath Lloyd, City of Pooler
Quentin Marlin, Ellis Painter Attorneys at Law
William Mock, Georgia Power
Kyle Redner, Gulfstream Aerospace
Mark Sprosty, Savannah Economic Development Authority
Ansley Threlkeld, attorney
Julie Tyre, Memorial Health
Steve Walker, Savannah Coca-Cola Bottling Company United
Courtney West, West Construction Company
Judge Derek White, Chatham County State Court
Austin Wright, Left Lane Hospitality