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