United Way of the Coastal Empire announced the promotion of Elizabeth Waters to Area Director of the Effingham County Service Center. Waters is responsible for the daily operations of the office, working with nonprofit partners, businesses, local government, and service organizations to meet the needs of the local community. 

"Elizabeth has been a key part of our success, and we were thrilled to promote her to this position,” said Deb Thompson, President and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire.  “During her tenure as the Assistant Director of Effingham County office, Elizabeth helped lead a record breaking annual campaign, raising more than $400K. Her knowledge of the local community needs as well as the relationships she established during her tenure with the United Way ensure a smooth transition and guide the Service Center to even greater success.”

Prior to joining the United Way, Waters spent more than a decade in the financial industry, serving as a Financial Advisor with Thrivent and Branch Manager with Renasant Bank. A proud resident of Effingham County, Waters is deeply committed to the well-being of her community. She serves on a number of nonprofits including Two Rivers Health Clinic, Family Promise of Effingham, Effingham Back Pack Buddies, and Effingham Victim Witness Assistance Program.

Waters graduated from University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing.  She is succeeding Elize Zielicke, who vacated the position to relocate with her family to Wisconsin. 

United Way of the Coastal Empire has been serving the lives of people in Effingham County for nearly 30 years. The Effingham County Service Center connects more than 2,000 local individuals and families annually to programs and services, such as affordable prescription medications, assistance for families in times of crisis, and solutions to transportation barriers. The Service Center collaborates with other community programs and nonprofits to provide a holistic approach in creating effective and lasting change in Effingham County.