Cary, NC -- The United Way Southeast Regional Conference (SERC) is one of the most energizing and mission‑aligned gatherings for United Ways in the Southeast region. Held this year in North Charleston, South Carolina, the conference brought together staff, CEOs, board members, and community partners for a powerful convening centered on learning, collaboration, and innovation. The planning committee chose the theme "Charting the Course" to symbolize United Ways' involvement in mapping plans and providing collaborative services to drive impact and change to help communities thrive.
This year’s keynote speakers brought forward bold ideas and practical insights that directly support United Way’s mission to improve lives and advance the common good. While each speaker offered a unique perspective, their messages shared a common thread: the power of community‑centered leadership and data‑driven strategies to create lasting change. One of the keynote speakers was our President and CEO, Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, who sat on a panel alongside Prezzee and GoFundMe.org to discuss their partnership in supplying North Carolinians with gift cards to address Hurricane Helene relief.
Then throughout the days, attendees had opportunities to take part in more than 50 different breakout sessions led by their peers who found success in their practices and could impart the knowledge to their peers. Our Senior Director of Operations, David Mercado, and Director of Mission Advancement, Sally Gordon, spoke in a handful of breakout sessions to address NC 211's strength in operations and staffing, as well as in leading a discussion with fellow local United Ways on how they each addressed Hurricane Helene relief and recovery:
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Mo Schwind, Executive Director of Burke County United Way
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Sarah Roth, Senior Director Community Resiliency Interim Executive Director BCLTRG of United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
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Celesa Willett, Executive Director of United Way of Haywood County
A group picture of all 400 attendees on the last day of SERC.
There were also two awards announced during SERC, with the first being the Dolly Parton Award. Recipient Missy Santorum, Public Relations Manager at Palmetto Electric Cooperative, was recognized her efforts with the South Carolina Commission. She took a moment to pose with Henry Well, President and CEO of United Way Association of South Carolina. "This award was originally given to Dolly Parton for her exceptional generosity and significant community impact during the devastating fires in Tennessee in 2017. The legacy of this work has translated into an award given bi-yearly at the Southeast Regional Conference for similar work done in the host state." (United Way Association of South Carolina)
The second was a surprise for both the audience and the recipient, with Pruitt Fletcher taking the microphone and awarding Jessica Munday, Co-Founder of Cloud 9 Nonprofit Advisors, for her voluntary involvement and support in Hurricane Helene relief efforts with United Way of North Carolina. Munday's support was essential to UWNC's team in pushing out email communications, updating the UWNC website, and more while the team was juggling other duties and holding various meetings with local United Ways, agencies, and Emergency Operations to provide relief and recovery. Here in the middle she poses with Pruitt Fletcher and Sara Carlson, Mission Advancement Manager of UWNC.
Why SERC Matters for Local United Ways
SERC is one of the most impactful opportunities for local United Ways in the Southeast to:
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Learn new practices and processes that strengthen fundraising, community impact, marketing, data analysis, and organizational effectiveness.
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Build relationships with peers to create a stronger, more connected regional network.
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Bring home actionable insights that can be implemented to deepen impact in their own communities.
The value of SERC extends far beyond the event itself. When attendees return home, they bring with them new tools, fresh ideas, and renewed energy to fuel stronger outcomes for the individuals, families, and communities they serve.