United Way names new Campaign Director

When former United Way of Santa Rosa County Campaign Director Kendra Parsons knew she was looking to move, she sought the input of local community activist Kyle Holley for suggestions to replace her.

After some deep thought and soul searching about the possible prospects, Holley decided he would be the best candidate for the job and the United Way of Santa Rosa County Board of Directors ultimately agreed with his thought.

Holley has spent approximately one week on the job already and is excited about what United Way of Santa Rosa County is doing.

“Things are going well and I am enjoying the climate at the United Way,” Holley said. “I knew of the great work they did at the United Way, but what surprised me was just how efficient they are with an administrative rate of eight percent.

“Most agencies like this are lucky if they can stay within 10-percent, but United Way of Santa Rosa County far exceeds that.”

Besides the current ongoing financial campaign, Holley is also working on the Coats for Kids campaign, which kicked off officially late November.

“We are doing real well in this campaign and just received 200 coats from the Town of Jay,” Holley said.

While the Coasts for Kids campaign in underway, Holley is also working on the United Way of Santa Rosa County’s annual campaign, which is $500,000 this year.

“We have reached about 55-percent of our goal and I am very excited about working to help achieve that goal,” Holley said. “We are getting a lot more requests for help this year, but employee contributions are down a little, which is just a sign of the economic times today.”

Prior to Holley joining the United Way of Santa Rosa County, he felt like he was doing much of the same works in the community as an activist working with his horse, Tuffy, and other organizations throughout the county.

UWSRC serves its residents through Coats for Kids, Cram the Van, Toys for Tots and First Call for Help. United Way of Santa Rosa County has been serving residents in Jay, Milton, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Midway, Chumuckla, and Harold for over 50 years.

“We’re happy to have Kyle on board with his expertise and background,” said UWSRC Executive Director Guy Thompson. “I feel he will be able to help United Way be more successful with its mission and future campaigns.”

United Way of Santa Rosa County manages one of three regional campaigns in Northwest Florida. Funding is deployed locally through direct services and partner agencies like Interfaith Ministries, Early Learning Coalition and Council on Aging.

“I’m grateful to highlight the self-sacrificing, strong-hearted and compassionate core of Santa Rosa County’s people,” said Holley. “Their giving nature, even in difficult times, inspires me and has drawn me to the United Way of Santa Rosa County.  Additionally, the board of directors has a sound history of conservative management and efficient use of donor dollars.”

One thing Holley is hoping to do is help build a stronger bond between the north and south ends of Santa Rosa County through the various agencies that United Way of Santa Rosa County works with on an annual basis.

“The effectiveness of this organization does not show on a financial sheet,” Holley said. “Since joining United Way of Santa Rosa County I have realized this and I am glad to be a part of it.”

UWSRC values its partnerships with businesses, churches, civic groups and media partners who consistently support community efforts, such as Coats for Kids. Coats are being collected through January 31st to be distributed throughout the winter. To donate or partner for the drive, contact Marianne Back, Coats for Kids Coordinator, at (850) 623-4507 or email marianne@unitedwaysrc.org.

For more information about United Way of Santa Rosa County, visit www.unitedwaysrc.org.