United Way of the Coastal Empire welcomes Jennifer Messner as Director of Community Investments. Messner joins United Way with more than 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. As the Director of Community Investments, she will support all aspects of United Way’s annual grant-making process and funding compliance. She will provide technical assistance and capacity-building resources to United Way funded agencies. Additionally, she will communicate the United Way’s community impact progress to various stakeholders and constituent groups.

Messner is no stranger to United Way. Prior to joining the organization, she served as Donor Relations Coordinator for Hospice Savannah, a United Way funded agency. While working for Hospice, she actively engaged in United Way of the Coastal Empire as an investments volunteer, where she – along with other trained volunteers – evaluated organizations, programs, and services that requested funding from United Way. Previously, Messner also worked for United Ways of Stamford and Greenwich for a number of years in a variety of roles. 

“We’re thrilled to have Jennifer on board,” said Deb Thompson, President and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire. “Jennifer’s passion and commitment to serving our community, as well as her depth of nonprofit experience, make her a tremendous asset to United Way and the achievement of our mission to build a better community for all.”

Messner earned her bachelor of arts from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts and her masters of Human Services Administration from Antioch University New England in Keen, New Hampshire.