After an illustrious 35-year tenure with United Way of Anderson County, CEO and President Carol Burdette has announced her retirement, marking the end of a transformative era for the organization. Burdette has dedicated 22 years as CEO, preceded by 13 years of voluntary service.
Throughout her remarkable career, Burdette has exhibited an unwavering commitment to United Way, both as a faithful contributor and a dedicated leader. Her leadership has been instrumental in fostering positive change within the community, leaving an indelible mark on the organization’s mission and impact.
Highlights of Carol Burdette’s Distinguished Career:
1. United Way’s Women’s Leadership Initiative partnered with the Anderson County School Districts and AnMed to drive down the teen pregnancy rates by 81%.
2. United Way Worldwide CEO Brian Gallagher’s visit to United Way of Anderson County launched the Weekend SnackPack Program to feed elementary students who would be food insecure over the weekends. This program is ongoing after 13 years.
3. United Way of Anderson County bought the Elliott Davis Building at the corner of Greenville Street and Murray Avenue in downtown Anderson and was able to pay it off in just over 9 years!
4. United Way of Anderson County launched the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program and later created the United Way Financial Stability Center at AIM.
5. United Way of Anderson County partnered with the South Carolina United Methodist Conference to create the South Main Chapel & Mercy Center.
Reflecting on Burdette’s retirement, Nakia Davis, United Way’s Board Chair, states, “Carol Burdette is a true leader in our community. She leads by example, with purpose and with a servant’s heart. We at United Way want to thank her for her tireless years of service to our community and for truly making a difference.”
Cara Hamilton, United Way’s Campaign Cabinet Chair, adds, “We will miss her passion for and commitment to the work United Way is doing to improve the health, education and financial stability of the Anderson community. Without a doubt, Carol’s heart for serving others and her passion for improving her community will keep her fully engaged in the Anderson area and with United Way for years to come.”
Burdette will continue to serve as CEO until the end of 2024, working closely with the board to ensure a seamless transition to new leadership. “It is not often that a person is blessed with a job of a lifetime, but in 2002 when I came to United Way, I found the place that has allowed me to serve a community that I love. I have been given the opportunity to serve in ways that I could never have imagined. It has been a privilege to work with amazing staff members, volunteers, and donors. WOW…what a blessing to have been given to SERVE the people of Anderson County!” says Burdette.
There will be a Retirement Celebration on November 7, 2024 for Burdette.
Looking to the future, a search committee has been formed to identify a qualified successor. Further details regarding the search for a new CEO will be released in the coming weeks.
United Way of Anderson County expresses deep gratitude for Carol Burdette’s extraordinary contributions and wishes her a well-deserved retirement. Her impact will resonate for years to come.