United Way of the Coastal Empire – Bryan County has announced this year’s Jimmy Burnsed Community Spirit Award has been presented to Wendy Futch. 

Jimmy Burnsed presented the award, which bears his name, to Futch at the 2025 United Way of the Coastal Empire – Bryan County Kickoff celebration last month.

The Jimmy Burnsed Community Spirit Award was established by United Way of the Coastal Empire in Bryan County to celebrate and honor individuals or groups that make remarkable contributions to our community through giving, volunteering, or advocating. The recipients are nominated by the United Way of the Coastal Empire staff and advisory board and presented at the Annual Campaign Kickoff sponsored by VyStar Credit Union.

Futch embodies the spirit of this award, the organization said.

She has been invested in Bryan County her entire life, continuing a family tradition. She was born and raised in Bryan County, where her family has lived for four generations. After graduating from Bryan County High School, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Georgia Southern University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies. She immediately began working for Bryan County as a Juvenile Division Program Case Manager. She went on to serve with Bryan County Family Connection, where she is the Executive Director, and has served for the past 21 years helping to improve lives in our community. Futch is also a member of the United Way of the Coastal Empire – Bryan County Advisory Board.