When Brianne Yontz was selected as United Way’s area director for Bryan County in May 2022, it was hardly a shock to those who knew her well within the Richmond Hill community.
Prior to taking up the position, Yontz was program administrator for Leadership Southeast Georgia and account executive for Official Guides of Savannah, a local brochure company. For eight years, she was the executive director of the Richmond Hill/Bryan County Chamber of Commerce, and before that, she served as vice president of member services for the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Savannah for eight years.
And it was at the Savannah Chamber of Commerce where Yontz says she first became familiar with United Way’s work.
“I’ve been a long time contributor to United Way; back when I worked at the Savannah Chamber, I was asked to be a part of what they called their ‘allocations committee’ back then. [now the Community Investments Committee],” explained Yontz.
“It was really impressive, the amount of detail [in their work].”
A resident of Richmond Hill for over 30 years, Yontz took up her current role as Bryan County’s area director less than a month after a deadly EF4 tornado devastated the north end of the county. In the weeks and months that followed, she witnessed the importance of United Way’s community- led giving first-hand.
“I saw firsthand the generous giving, from generous companies, to help their neighbors in need,” Yontz said. “And I was able to witness the organization [UWCE] really mobilizing the caring power of our community to help their neighbors, some of whom lost everything.”
In her work as Bryan County’s area director, Yontz says with a laugh that there isn’t a “typical” day in the office, with many challenges and opportunities arising every single day.
From attending local back-to-school drives to connecting seniors to important relief programs, it’s clear that Yontz wears many hats as an area director.
“I spoke at length with a lady yesterday who is trying to help her 72 year old neighbor who doesn’t have any family in this area, who recently got out of the hospital, and is looking for resources. You know, help with medication, referring her to a community partner to see if they can help her or get the medication at a reduced cost.” Yontz said.
Recently, Yontz and United Way just worked with Bryan County Schools as part of their new hire orientation. According to Yontz, Bryan County Schools is the largest donor in Bryan County through workplace giving.
“They’ve been that way for a long, long time, so they’re very supportive,” Yontz said.
“And I think it’s because the teachers and the social workers at the school realize how impactful United Way can be when they’re looking for resources, whether that’s a direct resource that United Way can provide, or if they’re looking for other resources in the community to help a student or that student’s family.”
Fall Giving at United Way
This year, United Way’s traditional fall giving campaign kicks off in September, with the slogan ‘Educate, Elevate, Unite’.
Bryan County’s kickoff event will be hosted on September 17th from 8-9:30 a.m. at the Lanier Learning Center.
Highlights at the event will include the announcement of the Jimmy Burnsed Award recipient, the recognition of Campaign Cabinet members, and the results of the Pacesetter campaigns.
The county’s kickoff event is complimentary (free), but guests and sponsors must RSVP by September 12th.
To learn more or to RSVP for Bryan County’s kickoff event, visit https:// uwce.org/campaign/bryan-kickoff/.