United Way of the Cape Fear Area welcomed three new Board Members and announced its slate of officers for 2010-2011 during its recent Annual Board of Directors Meeting.

The Board of Directors for United Way of the Cape Fear area has 22 members, who are among the area's most prominent business and community leaders. These respected individuals help United Way create long-lasting, positive change to improve lives and strengthen our community.

The following individuals have begun a three-year term on the Board of Directors:

Lethia Hankins, Community Volunteer
Cristy Sorensen, Cumulus Broadcasting
A. Mark Tyler, First Federal Bank

The Board of Directors has elected the following individuals to serve on its 2010-2011 Executive Committee:

Board Chair - Donna Girardot, Wilmington-Cape Fear Homebuilders Association
Vice Chair - Avril Pinder, New Hanover County Government
Treasurer - Billy Smith, NewBridge Bank
Planning & Investment Cabinet Chair - Pat Ahern, Progress Energy
Marketing & Communications Committee Chair - Jennifer Adams, SunTrust Bank
Nominating Committee Chair - Jay Neisen, Neisen Law Firm
2010 Campaign Chair - Bob McCall, Progress Energy
Immediate Past Chair - Bob Stuart, East Carolina Bank

Donna Girardot, newly elected 2010 Chair, reminded guests that United Way focuses on the highest priority needs in our local community. "We raise money locally and keep that money local to help those in need right here in our own backyards."

"United Way of the Cape Fear Area-and the entire community-benefits tremendously from the expertise, dedication and passion of our Board members. Through service with United Way, these business and community leaders make a direct impact on the issues that matter most to our community-education, income and health," said Christopher Nelson, president of United Way of the Cape Fear Area.

The additional members of the United Way Board of Directors include the following:

Gary Broughton, Wilmington International Airport
Dr. Kevin Cannon, Wilmington Health Associates
Paula Corbett, East Coast Research
Deborah Covington, PPD
Brad Erbes, General Electric Wilmington
Robbie Garner, Atlantic Computer Services
Matt Heywood, New Hanover Regional Medical Center
Jayne Mathews, Brunswick County Government
Gary McNair, WECT TV6
Ed Murray, PPD
Lynore Young, Corning

Many thanks to Corning for holding a special Father's Day raffle to benefit United Way of the Cape Fear Area! Dot Marshburn is the lucky winner of a Wilmington Classic Grill, generously donated by Edwards Incorporated for the raffle. The Corning Father's Day raffle raised $1350, in addition to the $300 raised during a special Mother's Day raffle at Corning last month. Many, many thanks to Corning, Edwards Incorporated, and the wonderful Corning employees who participated in the raffle.

Dot Marshburn with her Wilmington Classic Grill
Dot Marshburn and Richard McNinch, Supervisor of Technology Synchronization for Corning

United Way of the Cape Fear Area is pleased to announce Bob McCall, Eastern Region Vice President for Progress Energy, will serve as 2010 Campaign Chair.

Bob joined Progress Energy in 2000 as the first African American plant manager in 60 years. After one year, he was promoted to General Manager for the Eastern Region Fossil Generation Department. Bob had five power plants, two engineering groups, an outage management team, travel maintenance team, and a financial management team reporting to him. In January 2008, he was promoted to Eastern Region Vice President of the Energy Delivery Department.

Bob's passion and dedication will be a tremendous asset to United Way during its 2010 campaign. He has been a volunteer for the Special Olympics for over ten years, built two Habitat for Humanity houses, and received the Governor's Volunteer Award for his service with the Lynn Mar school district. Bob's motto is to "Make a difference everywhere you go."