Amanda Burt: Energized by the momentum we are building

Published 8:00 am Saturday, March 8, 2025

Spring is in the air, and there is just something refreshing about more sunlight, greener grass and daffodils blooming. At the United Way of Northwest Georgia we are energized by all the momentum we are building for 2025. Under the leadership of our board chair, Jill Schubert of Mohawk Industries, we are driving bold initiatives, strengthening our community and making an even greater impact together.

At our Board of Directors Retreat on Wednesday, Jill cast an inspiring vision, one that centers on transformation while honoring our legacy of success. We strive to build a supportive community where every person in Northwest Georgia has the opportunity to thrive. We know that big change happens when we unite, and we are ready to step up in 2025.

“As we embrace the limitless possibilities of this year, I am thrilled about what we can achieve together,” Jill said. “Passion, creativity and commitment fuel our success, and together we will make a lasting impact. ‘United, We Do More,’ more for our community, more for each other and more for a thriving Northwest Georgia.”

I want to give a huge thank you to our 2025 Board of Directors for their servant leadership and dedication to our mission.

• 2025 board chair: * Jill Schubert, Mohawk Industries. (* means Executive Committee member)

• Board members: Allen Bentley (Benbrook Inc.); Hank Blackwood (Dalton Utilities);  * Will Brackett (Nichols, Cauley & Associates); Emily Brown (BDL Advisors); Curtis Callaway (Shaw Industries); * Elizabeth Caperton (Barrett Properties); * Julian Dossche (International Flooring Co.); Carla Fain (Simply Organized by Carla); Mike Fromm (Shaw Industries) ; * Landon Hair (Marketing Alliance Group; Russell Headrick (Shaw Industries); David Hobbs (Truist); Sandee Hooper (community volunteer); Amy Kinard (Coldwell Banker Kinard Realty); Brenda Knowles (Shaw Industries); Juan Martinez (Shaw Industries); * Matthew Moore (Shaw Industries); * Marianne Murry (community volunteer); Gage Peeples (United Surface Solutions); * David Pennington IV (Advanced Insurance Strategies); Sadde Salaices (Carniceria Nacho); Jonathan Sierra (Shaw Industries); Lauren Sneary (Mohawk Industries); * Karen Townsend (community volunteer); Jamie Welborn (Mohawk Industries); Brent Williams (Shaw Industries); * Kevin Wright (Marketing Alliance Group); * Joe Young (Engineered Floors); and Will Young (Engineered Floors).

A warm welcome to our newest board members:

• Emily Brown, BDL Advisors.

• Carla Fain, Simply Organized by Carla.

• David Hobbs, Truist.

• Brenda Knowles, Shaw Industries.

• John Patterson, Material Handling Inc.

• Lauren Sneary, Mohawk Industries.

We are so excited to have you on board.

Upcoming events

• National Volunteer Week (April 21-25): We are celebrating five incredible volunteers and recognizing outstanding leaders at our Youth and Volunteer Awards Celebration. Get ready for inspiring stories and well-deserved honors, including the Elbert Shaw Memorial Scholarships, Youth Volunteer of the Year and the Connie Woodward and Elaine Butler Outstanding Volunteerism Awards.

• Power of the Purse (April 30, Walnut Hill Farm): The Women’s Leadership Council is hosting the third annual Power of the Purse event. Enjoy fabulous raffles of designer purses, door prizes and an empowering luncheon featuring keynote speaker and author Lisa Norman. Don’t miss this stylish and meaningful event to support our impact work, register now at ourunitedway.org/events.

The United Way of Northwest Georgia remains steadfast in our mission: “Improving Lives. Inspiring Donors. Uniting Community.” United is the way to healthier lives, stronger families and thriving communities. Let’s work together to create a brighter future. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Amanda Burt is the president of the United Way of Northwest Georgia.