Citizens of the Week: Karen Townsend and Bradley Austin spearhead United Way giving campaign

Published 1:00 pm Thursday, July 11, 2024

The United Way of Northwest Georgia’s volunteer campaign co-chairs spearhead the agency’s efforts to raise money to help nonprofit groups across Whitfield and Murray counties.

They select and lead a Cabinet of 15 to 20 other volunteers and lead them in contacting local CEOs and others to coordinate giving, according to Savannah Coquerille, the United Way’s director of marketing and communications.

Coquerille said the campaign co-chairs serve as spokespersons for the United Way in the community, call on top accounts with the United Way president, identify new fundraising opportunities and lead Cabinet meetings.

This year’s campaign co-chairs are the mother-daughter duo of Karen Townsend and Bradley Austin.

“Karen has been a longtime volunteer for United Way of Northwest Georgia,” said Coquerille. “She currently serves on our Board of Directors while also being our Women’s Leadership co-chair. Bradley currently serves on our Young Leaders Society Steering Committee. She served as our Young Leaders Society co-chair from 2022-23.”

For their efforts to help the United Way of Northwest Georgia raise the funds it needs to continue its vital work, the Dalton Daily Citizen names Karen Townsend and Bradley Austin Citizens of the Week.