Renee Sanders has assumed the official role of executive director of the United Way of Lowndes County.
Sanders has been serving as the interim executive director since October. The board voted to make that decision permanent during a Thursday morning meeting, according to a United Way press release.
United Way of Lowndes County serves as a fundraising support arm for about 18 nonprofit agencies in the Golden Triangle. Although Sanders said she’s excited, the role has not “set in” quite yet.
“I can’t wrap my head around it,” Sanders said. “I will be ecstatic once things slow down. I am still ecstatic, there’s just a lot going on right now.”
Sanders said she’s been working 12 to 15 hour days since an EF-3 tornado hit Columbus last Saturday.
“I’ll sleep on Sunday after church,” Sanders said. “Until then, it’s got to get done. My first priority is the disaster. A lot of people think that we will be done next week. We’re not done with this next week, we’re certainly not done with this by next month.”
Although the relief center’s phone is “ringing off the hook,” Sanders said she is still looking for volunteers. If anyone is interested in volunteering for disaster relief, call 662-370-8600, 662-370-8602 or 662-370-8603. Since Sanders was serving as the director of Volunteer Columbus while she was interim director, finding a replacement is another priority.
“I’m looking to find someone who is as passionate as I am about volunteering,” Sanders said. “Until then, I will hold down both roles.”
She said in her new permanent position, she wants the United Way to build a heavy presence in Lowndes County.
“I want people to see we are a united and visible United Way,” Sanders said. “The community will see changes. We are vital and we are vested.”
Sanders has been working with the United Way as the Volunteer Columbus director since 2015. She replaces former director Danny Avery who resigned as director on June 29 for a position at a Starkville-based hospice facility. Avery started as director of the United Way in April 2016.
“We are thrilled that Renee Sanders has accepted thee position of executive director of the United Way of Lowndes County,” Board President Jennifer Miles said in a press release. “Renee is a proven administrator and leader who believes in the mission of the United Way. Last weekend, our community was impacted by a tornado. Renee demonstrated tremendous leadership while working with community members and volunteers. Her performance during this time illustrates her unwavering dedication to the community. Renee is an asset to the United Way.”
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