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United Way of Stanly County Executive Director Salem Taylor announced her resignation from the agency on Monday.

“I appreciate the opportunities and experiences that the United Way has provided me during the past three years, and I am deeply honored to have served my community in this capacity,” Taylor said. “The mission and values of United Way are an integral part of my personal values, and my hope is that the progress we have made together to improve the quality of life in our community continues on with even more momentum.”

United Way of Stanly County has evolved through numerous changes since 2018, including relocating its office from the Chamber of Commerce building to inside the Stanly County Family YMCA in 2020.

“This partnership was incredibly timely and beneficial for us, as it allowed us to have less operating expenses while maintaining an accessible, central location in Albemarle,” said Taylor.

Another focus for Taylor was leading the agency through a transition from a pass-through fundraising organization to a community impact model where United Way not only provides funding but also helps bring community organizations together to drive change in Stanly County. The agency now prioritizes funding decisions on current community needs data and has developed partnerships with local mental health, economic development, health and education organizations to not only support existing initiatives but also identify gaps in services and enable development of new programs.

Taylor states she is “incredibly proud of the volunteers, staff and community leaders who share the vision and who have made this experience so rewarding for me. I will always be passionate about community issues, but this chapter of my life requires a shift in priorities.”

She says she felt led to leave the position in order to devote her time and energy to her family and personal health.

Her last day with the agency will be Aug. 20, and the Board of Directors are actively engaged in supporting and adapting the agency through the transition.

“We have 15 incredible volunteers here who bring a diverse range of skills, perspectives and energy to the work of United Way. The committees and objectives we laid out during our strategic planning this year are still ongoing and I am excited to see what we accomplish,” Board President Shannon Bernhardt said.

Kelly Misiak remains with the agency as the community impact coordinator and is helping the Board and volunteers plan the upcoming campaign and facilitate other agency services.

For more information or to get involved, contact the United Way of Stanly County at 704-982-6916.