Cary, NC - Local United Way staff from across the state gathered for the 2026 Annual Conference hosted by United Way of North Carolina, an event designed to bring together local United Ways, partners, and changemakers to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and build strategies that empower communities to thrive across the state. Over 2.5 days of sessions, networking opportunities, and collaborative exercises, attendees explored solutions to some of the state’s most pressing challenges—from disaster response and economic stability to digital opportunity and youth mental health.
A Collaborative Start
The conference opened with welcoming remarks from Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, President and CEO of United Way of North Carolina, alongside Patrick Noltemeyer of Elon University. The session also featured remarks from Gold Sponsor Hank Henning of Duke Energy, recognizing the importance of cross-sector partnerships in strengthening communities.
Participants then took part in an interactive ALICE Simulation, facilitated by Sally Gordon, Director of Mission Advancement of United Way of North Carolina. The simulation offered a powerful look into the financial realities faced by ALICE households—those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed—encouraging participants to consider how community systems and support networks can better respond to the needs of working families.
Preparing Communities for Disaster
A major focus of the conference was strengthening disaster preparedness and response efforts. Marcus Coleman and Alex Schwab of United Way Worldwide introduced strategies for community resilience and coordinated disaster response.
Building on this foundation, attendees participated in a hands-on Disaster Tabletop Exercise led by Mark McCain and Lynette Williams of Presbyterian Church (USA). Through realistic scenarios and collaborative problem-solving, participants practiced coordinating response efforts, allocating resources, and supporting communities in the aftermath of disasters.
Addressing Community Needs
The following morning began with a session on Youth Mental Health in North Carolina, presented by Leonardo Scarpati of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. The discussion explored the growing mental health challenges facing young people and highlighted opportunities for community organizations, healthcare partners, and advocates to work together to support youth and families.
Participants then attended Building a Strategic or Comprehensive Fund Development Program, where Nancy Beard of United Way of Iredell County and Rebecca Huron of United Way Worldwide shared strategies for strengthening fundraising efforts and diversifying revenue streams to sustain local impact.
Disaster readiness remained a key theme with Disaster Awareness: Emergency Edge Expo Disaster Response, led by Sue Tidd of United Way Inner Banks. The session provided practical guidance on establishing Volunteer Resource Centers (VRCs), Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs), and community warehouses to ensure coordinated support following disasters.
Spotlight on ALICE and Community Impact
During the luncheon session, Sally facilitated a panel discussion focused on the ALICE population and the work local United Ways are doing to support financially struggling households. Panelists included Sam Baker of United Way of Randolph County, Mark Bumgarner of Catawba County United Way, and Kristen Sutherland of United Way of Alamance County. The discussion highlighted how local United Ways are using data, partnerships, and targeted programs to improve financial stability and opportunity.
Innovation and Data for Community Solutions
Technology and data innovation were also key themes throughout the conference. In “The Evolution of NC 211: From Call Center to Connected Community System,” David Mercado, Senior Director of Operations of United Way of North Carolina and Sasha Reinoso of Do Good Data discussed how NC 211 continues to grow as a vital connection point between residents and essential resources across the state.
Participants also explored how data can strengthen collaboration through “Building a Dashboard with Collective Impact,” presented by Daisy Butzer of United Way of Chatham County. The session demonstrated how community data dashboards can help partners track outcomes, align strategies, and measure progress toward shared goals.
Celebrating Leadership and Impact
The conference also provided an opportunity to celebrate the individuals and organizations helping drive change across North Carolina. During the evening reception and dinner, remarks were delivered by Heather Reed of Upic Solutions.
Attendees then honored the legacy of community leadership through the Anita Barker Make It Matter Award Ceremony, recognizing the contributions of Alisha Friday, Executive Director of United Way of Lincoln County.
Additional recognition was given to incoming local United Way CEOs and board leaders by Brittany, who announced the transition of Brett Eckerman of United Way of Iredell County and Derek Remer of Duke Energy off of the UWNC Board. Lauren Wargo of Duke Energy and Christopher Tissot of Publix were recognized as oncoming Board members. The group also celebrated the induction of Sherry Bradsher of CCR Consulting as the new UWNC Board Chair. Brian White of ECU Health transitioned off from Chair and was honored for his two years of service.
Strengthening Partnerships for the Future
The final day of the conference continued with a Networking Breakfast, giving attendees additional time to connect and exchange ideas.
In “Stronger Together: Advancing Digital Navigation Across North Carolina,” David Mercado and Maggie Woods of the North Carolina Department of Information Technology, Office of Digital Opportunity, explored how expanding digital access and navigation services can help residents connect to opportunities in education, employment, healthcare, and essential services.
The session “Advocacy 101: Building Your Voice for Impact” led by John Emge of United Way Worldwide and Carla Poplin of United Way of Stanly County, who shared practical guidance on how United Ways can strengthen their advocacy efforts and amplify the voices of the communities they serve.
During the closing luncheon, Sally and Sara Carlson, Manager of Mission Advancement, announced updates related to UW Connect and the organization’s advocacy guide, highlighting new tools designed to help local United Ways strengthen collaboration and policy engagement.
The conference concluded with a keynote presentation from Hana Williamson of the North Carolina Courage, who spoke about the power of community partnerships and how sports organizations can work alongside nonprofits to create meaningful impact.
Moving Forward Together
By the end of the conference, attendees left with new insights, strengthened partnerships, and renewed energy to advance their work. The 2026 United Way of North Carolina Annual Conference reinforced a shared commitment among leaders across the state: when organizations collaborate, share knowledge, and support one another, they can build stronger systems that empower individuals, families, and entire communities to thrive.
About United Way of North Carolina
United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. For almost 50 years, United Way of North Carolina (UWNC) has been a statewide organization, partnering with 47 local United Ways to co-create solutions to people’s most pressing challenges. We take a comprehensive approach, listening and responding to statewide needs, including but not limited to, strengthening local resilience and advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security in our state. UWNC bridges and mobilizes people, local United Ways, and resources so individuals, families, and communities thrive in North Carolina. We are committed to four core areas of work: Member services, NC 211, Disaster Response, and Advocacy.