United Way of York County, SC President Kim Keel has accepted the position of Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer with the United Way Association of South Carolina headquartered in Columbia, S.C. , effective March 1, 2010. 

“I am honored to have had the opportunity lead a progressive organization whose heart and soul is centered on always doing what is good, right and true for York County ,” Keel said. 

Serving as President and Chief Professional Officer for United Way of York County, SC since September 2004, Keel has developed the local United Way into a priority needs driven organization, partnering with agencies across the county to address specific issues facing the community.  United Way, together with Winthrop University , conducted a comprehensive Community Needs Study in 2005, which included community forums and telephone surveys of Eastern and Western York County residents.  The needs study measured the issues impacting residents the most and residents’ awareness of available community services.  By keeping answers separated by geographic location, the survey demonstrated that both areas of the county faced similar needs and issues and had little knowledge of services available for assistance. 

Due to the information discovered through the Community Needs Study, Keel worked to bring United Way’s 2-1-1 information and referral service to York County .  2-1-1 allows York County residents to access information about local non-profit, government and other health and human service organizations on a local, state and national level, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. The 2-1-1 service, available in only 12 counties when first accessed in York County in 2007, is planned for statewide access later this year. 

Keel’s leadership helped merge United Way of Fort Mill-Rock Hill-Tega Cay with Western York County United Way in 2005, creating United Way of York County, SC which serves all communities within York County. 

Under Keel’s guidance, United Way has championed the value of collaboration to develop efficient and effective solutions to emerging needs.  One such collaboration was with York County Government, the City of Rock Hill, The Salvation Army and other basic needs providers to open the first Warming Center for homeless men.  This service expanded last year to include a Warming Center for homeless women and children.  United Way also partnered with the City of Rock Hill and the Catawba Area Coalition for the Homeless to introduce York County ’s first collaborative 10-year Plan to Respond to Homelessness, opening up new avenues for federal and state funding to address homelessness. To date the collaborative has leveraged $900,000 in new grant dollars to local agencies to begin implementation of the plan.  

Keel came to United Way of York County, SC from Family Resources in Rutherford County, N.C., where she served as President for 22 years.  She and husband Frank moved to Rock Hill in September 2004 as she began her post at United Way.  Keel’s position with the United Way Association of South Carolina will be based here in Rock Hill, traveling to Columbia and other communities in South Carolina as needed.  Her duties will include supporting the implementation of the organization’s strategic priorities in public policy, civic engagement and volunteerism, early childhood education and financial stability. She will also manage the annual State Employees Combined Campaign.

"This new position will allow me the opportunity to work with United Ways across our state to build our collective capacity to meet the challenges in income, education and health that South Carolina faces in the coming months and years,” Keel said.  

United Way Board Chair, Brien Lewis of Winthrop University , is excited for Keel’s new opportunity, but saddened to see her leave the local United Way organization. “True leaders make a difference,” he said.  “Our focus, our aspirations, our professionalism, and our role in the community are all significantly enhanced and improved because of her leadership and her vision.” 

Lewis said he anticipated a smooth transition with members of the staff and the Executive Committee of the Board.  The Executive Committee will be accepting applications until February 19, with interviews being completed in mid-March.  Lewis hopes for a finalist to be presented to the full board for voting at the end of March.  Until a new President is hired, Keel will continue serving in the position on a part-time basis. 

For more information about United Way of York County, SC , please visit their website at www.unitedwayofyc.org or call 803.324.2735.