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Meet the Team
Our staff is a dedicated group of people who are determined to make the community better. They work hard to ensure goals are achieved and the community is well served.
President & CEO
Michael Smith
Michael Smith is the CEO for the Greater Valdosta United Way and is a lifelong resident of Valdosta. Michael graduated from Valdosta High School and received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Valdosta State University. He enjoys spending time with his two daughters; Aubrey, and Mary Allen, as well as running, traveling, and kayaking. Michael continuously serves in local leadership positions in both nonprofit and private sectors, and is a successful business owner. He is passionate about serving the communities of South Georgia and strives to inspire positive change.
Finance Manager
Pamela Hernandez
Pam is a local Valdosta resident with 20 years of bookkeeping and finance experience. She is a proud mother to Joshua and wife to Francisco. She is very active in the community, dedicating her time to assisting the homeless and mentoring teenagers at church. With a heart for service, she is excited to bring her experience to the nonprofit sector and participate in helping the community become a stronger force for good.
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Development/Marketing Coordinator
Tia Mayes
Tia was born in Valdosta, and has lived in here her most of life. She graduated from Valdosta State University with a degree in Organizational Communication and and spent the last four years as an Events Coordinator. Tia enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and her child. Tia brings a wealth of experience in community engagement and communication, along with a passion for bringing people together and driving positive change.
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Direct Services Coordinator
Meredith-Elizabeth Crum
Meredith-Elizabeth was born and raised in Valdosta. She earned an Associate of Science in Business Administration from Georgia Military College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Technology from Valdosta State University. For the past six years, she has dedicated her time working for non-profits. Meredith-Elizabeth enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and her dog, Paisley-Grace. She brings to the table a deep love for her community and a strong passion for helping others.
Community Impact Director
Susan Nebel
Susan is originally from Statesboro, Georgia. She has lived in Valdosta since 2004 and is a proud mother of 3 beautiful children. Susan attended Valdosta State University for her undergraduate and Master’s Degree in Sociology. Susan has spent a lot of time in the community over the years and has developed a profound love for this community and a desire to see it grow and prosper.
Finance Assistant
Robin Plymale
Robin has been with Greater Valdosta United Way for sixteen years. Robin is married to Dennis Plymale and she has two sons; Stuart Chappell and Drew Martin. Robin enjoys traveling and spending time with her granddaughter Emma Claire. She is excited about the future of United Way and the impact it is having on the community.
GVUW Door Greeter
UWY
UWY is our office cat that was rescued back in 2019. He was born without any eyes, but that does not stop him from living his absolute best life! UWY loves to explore outside and greet all of our many visitors at the GVUW office.