Goldsboro, NC – This morning, United Way of Wayne County welcomed investors, volunteers, and community partners to its 101st Annual Meeting at First Baptist Church, celebrating a year of impact while casting vision for the future.
Board Member Bethany Perry opened the program, welcoming guests and recognizing the 2025 Board of Directors for their leadership and service. The morning set the tone for continued transformation as United Way moves through year two of its three-year Issue Focus initiative centered on poverty, with a goal of empowering 12,000 community members to reach financial stability by 2035.
Board Member Ken Derksen shared updates on the organization’s Issue Focus Transformation, highlighting the growing focus on ALICE households (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), families who are working but still struggling to make ends meet. Through United Way’s direct service initiative, the United Community Assistance Network (UCAN), 309 families representing 998 individuals were served in 2025 alone.
“While poverty may be our issue, financial stability is our goal,” Derksen shared. “One emergency for ALICE, and life can be difficult to gain traction again.”
Thanks to sponsors including TA Loving, Duke Energy, Seymour Funeral Home, and a $50,000 investment from the City of Goldsboro, UCAN has doubled its impact. During the program, attendees also learned that following the dissolution of United Church Ministries in December 2025, its remaining assets will support and strengthen the UCAN program, building upon decades of faith-based community service in Wayne County.
Executive Director Sherry Archibald reflected on the accomplishments of 2025, including:
• Raising $821,100 through the Community Campaign, 96.6% of their goal, impacting an estimated 16,364 lives
• Supporting more than 90 workplace campaigns
• Hosting multiple Issue Focus Summits to identify root causes of poverty
• Re-establishing the Nonprofit Council in partnership with the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce
• Investing the remaining balance of a $750,000 state appropriation across 18 agencies and 25 programs focused on homelessness, youth support, gang prevention, education, health & wellness, and basic needs
• Expanding outreach and direct service through UCAN
Archibald also recognized Marlee Ray as the 2025 Committee Member of the Year for her leadership and dedication in reviewing applications, engaging nonprofit partners, and helping steward campaign dollars for maximum community impact.
Resource Development Director Savannah Lambert reported on the 2025 Community Campaign and celebrated the engagement of more than 100 workplace presentations delivered in just three months. A highlight of the campaign was the Fair Share Challenge partnership with Mallory Dumond, Travel Agent with Travelmation, awarding a Royal Caribbean cruise to John Parks of Caterpillar, who has faithfully invested in United Way for 23 years.
Campaign Chair Selena Worrell presented the Campaign Chairman’s Award to Maegen Wilson for her outstanding volunteerism and willingness to represent United Way at dozens of workplace presentations.
Heather Hoggard of Sentry Insurance was named Campaign Coordinator of the Year for her creativity, enthusiasm, and leadership in engaging employees. Coworker Joe Buckley accepted the award on Heather’s behalf.
Several organizations were honored with Spirit of Wayne Awards for excellence during the 2025 campaign:
Spirit of Wayne – Innovator Award: Caterpillar Fluid Transfer Solutions, which increased its campaign 3.49% to $50,896.68, with a per capita of $346.24, impacting an estimated 1,018 lives.
Spirit of Wayne – Investors Award: Atlantic Casualty Insurance Company, with a 12.3% increase in investments from the previous year.
Spirit of Wayne – Changed Lives Award: Norwayne Middle School for having the highest increase in lives changed through their investments in 2025.
Spirit of Wayne – Fair Share Award: County of Wayne, increasing fair share participation by 8.4% and overall campaign giving by 19%.
Spirit of Wayne – Per Capita Award: Seymour Funeral Home & Cremation Service for having the highest combined employee & corporate dollars per capita in the current year.
Spirit of Wayne – Special Events Award: Prolec-GE Wakesha for hosting multiple raffles and giveaways, including a boat cruise, Visa gift cards, and family outings.
Organizations achieving 100% participation in their workplace campaigns included Nunn Brashear & Uzzell, Wayne Realty & Insurance, and Worrell Contracting.
During the meeting, a leadership transition was also celebrated. Selena Worrell officially assumed the role of Board Chair, succeeding Bernadette Dove, who was thanked for her dedicated service and leadership.
The program concluded with the presentation of the prestigious Emil Rosenthal Volunteer of the Year Award. Established to honor exceptional volunteer service, the award recognizes individuals who embody Rosenthal’s legacy of servant leadership and community commitment.
The 2025 Emil Rosenthal Award was presented to Lisa Musselman for her decades of quiet, faithful service to Wayne County. In addition to her leadership within United Way, Musselman serves on the Southeastern Medical Oncology Center Board and supports numerous organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, Communities Supporting Schools’ Reading Buddy program, Habitat for Humanity Goldsboro, WAGES Meals on Wheels, Rotary, and her local church.
“She truly reflects the spirit of Emil Rosenthal’s legacy,” Worrell shared. “Her leadership, integrity, and servant’s heart have strengthened our organization and our community in countless ways.”
United Way of Wayne County continues its commitment to bringing people and resources together to improve lives, focusing on long-term solutions that build financial stability and strengthen the entire community.
For more information about United Way of Wayne County or to get involved, visit www.unitedwayne.org.
