United Way of the Coastal Empire (UWCE) has announced its 2025-26 board of directors. Their leadership and service play a vital role in advancing the organization’s mission to improve lives across Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty and Long counties. Board members officially began their terms July 1, 2025.

“Our board members bring invaluable expertise, passion, and perspective to United Way,” said Kimberly Waller, president and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire. “We are grateful for their commitment to ensuring our organization continues to create lasting change in the communities we serve. Their leadership helps us mobilize the caring power of people and resources so that every individual has the opportunity to thrive.”

Cecilia Russo Turner, president and CEO of Cecilia Russo Marketing, has been appointed chair of United Way’s board of directors this year.She will work closely with the board, regional advisory groups and United Way staff to strengthen the organization’s impact across the five-county service area.

“It’s an honor to serve an organization that creates lasting change across our region,” said Russo Turner. “I see how United Way of the Coastal Empire improves lives every day, and I’m committed to working with the board, staff and our wonderful volunteers to deepen our impact and strengthen the communities we call home.”

Executive Committee

Board Chair: Cecilia Russo Turner, Cecilia Russo Marketing

Board Vice Chair:  Cindy Robinett, Sterling Seacrest Pritchard  

Immediate Past Chair: Michael Kaigler, Chatham County government    

Campaign Chair: Ryan Chandler, Colonial Group, Inc.   

Campaign Vice Chair: Cecilia Tran Arango, Thomas & Hutton 

Treasurer: Mark Sprosty, Savannah Economic Development Authority

Secretary: Dr. Yancy Ford, Effingham County School District                   

Community Investments Chair: Taffanye Young, City of Savannah

Marketing Chair: Somi Benson-Jaja, Shot by Somi Studios            

REO Chair: Kimberly Ballard-Washington, attorney              

Strategic Plan Chair: Ryan Sewell, Sterling Seacrest Pritchard        

Volunteers Chair: Ansley Threlkeld, attorney         

At-Large:  Mark Bennett, Gulfstream Aerospace              

At-Large: Kathryn Downs, Bryan County government                 

At-Large: Paul Mosely, International Longshoremen’s Association 1414            

At-Large: Jay Wilson, International Paper

Returning Board Members

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

Jennifer Davenport, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce & Visit Savannah

Marsha Fogarty, WTOC

Catherine Grant, ExperCARE

Chief Lenny Gunther, Savannah Police Department  

Susan Hancock, Abshire Public Relations 

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

Quentin Marlin, Ellis Painter Attorneys at Law 

Jamie McCurry, Georgia Ports Authority 

William Mock, Georgia Power

Kyle Redner, Gulfstream Aerospace

Joseph Tallent, Effingham Health System

Dr. Mike Toma, Georgia Southern University

Julie Tyre, Memorial Health

Courtney West, West Construction Company

Judge Derek White, Chatham County State Court

Linda Wilder-Bryan, Savannah City Council

Austin Wright, Bardo Hotels

Incoming Board Members

Cecilia Tran Arango, Thomas & Hutton

Kathryn Downs, Bryan County government 

Greg Finch, Bouhan Falligant

Heath Lloyd, City of Pooler

Steve Walker, Savannah Coca-Cola Bottling Company United

Incoming Appointed Liaison Members

Agency Executive Council: Crystal Auguste, Elevate Savannah

UWCE Young Leaders: Caitlin Burwinkel, Thomas & Hutton

Bryan County Advisory Board: Chris Benson, City of Pembroke

Effingham County Advisory Board: Abby Smith, Heritage Counseling

Liberty and Long Counties Advisory Board: Damien Graham, SNF Holding Company