
Kay Keller
President & CEO
Kay serves as the President and CEO of United Way of Northeast Georgia, joining in this leadership role in February 2019. She has lived and worked in the Athens-Clarke and Oconee area her entire life, and served on the Board of United Way of Northeast Georgia since 2017. She most recently worked in Economic Development and Community Engagement with The University of North Georgia. Prior to that she served as the President for the Oconee Chamber of Commerce, as Northeast Georgia service representative with Georgia Power Company in Athens, and is a small business owner with her husband. She enjoys community building through collaboration. Connecting partners and generating ideas is at the heart of what she enjoys most. Kay lives in Oconee County with her husband of 26 years. They have two children, Brooke and Jacob. Kay is also a fellow Rotarian, a charter member of the North Oconee County Rotary chapter.
Email Kay
Jordan North
Director of Development
Jordan North is the newest team member at United Way of Northeast Georgia, serving as the Director of Development. She comes with a background in Sales and Marketing, and is a partner at LogoSurfing, a local promotional company located in Winder. Jordan is President Elect for the North Oconee Rotary Club and has been an active Ambassador for the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce for 5 years. She loves to give back to her community through volunteering with different nonprofits and participating in 5K fundraisers with her English Cream Golden Retriever, Willy. Her favorite way to spend a Saturday is screaming GO DAWGS with her nephews. Jordan looks forward to expanding her knowledge on the areas we serve, learning about the wonderful nonprofits we support, and LIVING UNITED!
Email Jordan
Courtney Etheredge
Director of Community Impact
Courtney joined United Way of Northeast Georgia in September of 2023 as the Director of Community Impact. In her new role, Courtney coordinates the Community Impact Grant process, oversees 211, and facilitates collaboration with local nonprofits, educational programs, government entities and businesses. Originally from Florida, Courtney moved to Athens in 2017 to earn her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Georgia. Before joining United Way, Courtney worked for several local nonprofits serving children and families impacted by trauma. She has served on the Vision Committee for Athens Clarke County and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. She’s excited about connecting with community members and working with organizations and programs to make the greatest impact for those they serve. In her downtime, you’ll find her listening to a podcast, cooking something new, and playing with her pup, Charlie.
Email Courtney
Alison Alwes
Director of Marketing & Engagement
Alison Alwes joined United Way of Northeast Georgia in late 2019 as the Director of Marketing and Engagement. In her role, she helps tell the story of United Way of Northeast Georgia, sharing the message and mission of the organization, its volunteers, donors and partners, and the ways we all LIVE UNITED. Prior to joining United Way of Northeast Georgia, Alison worked at marketing and PR agencies in Atlanta and Athens, helping craft messages, develop brand strategy, manage crises, conduct spokesperson training and implement client communication strategies and efforts. Alison moved to Athens in 2017 and since arriving has fully immersed herself in this community, serving as a volunteer with the Athens Farmers Market, an admin council member at her church, actively participating in the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, and is always ready to help those in the Athens and greater Athens community. Outside of work, you can find Alison attempting to garden, playing tennis and riding her bike, or exploring the food scene around town.
Email AlisonBoard of Directors
Devin wood*
Harrison Poultry
2023-2025 Board Chair
Jennifer Benford
Barrow County School System
Alex Borges
Clarke County School District
Dr. Philip brown
Jackson County School System
Jacqueline davis
Caterpillar
Ryan Doss
Provisions Accounting
Ryan Hammock*
Pinnacle Bank
miller heath
First American Bank & Trust
Alicin Hendricks
Jackson Spalding
Kathryn Lookofsky*
Georgia Department of Labor
Scott Lowry*
University of Georgia
Sean McCallen
Golden Pantry
Dawn Meyers
Foothills Education Charter High School
Joe Moon
Accelerate Commercial & Business
Velocity Technology
tifanie ring
New Path 1010
Michelle Roberts
Synovus
Johnelle simpson
Fortson, Bentley & Griffin
jason smith*
Piedmont Athens Regional
Dr. Susan Stancil
Oconee County Schools
Jen Welborn
Athens Technical College
Tonya Powers
Franklin County Industrial Building Authority
*indicates a member of the executive committee