United Way of the River Cities has named Sarah Short as its director of resource development.
Short began her career at United Way in 2020 as its resource development associate, where she built relationships with workplaces and community members, as well as promoted volunteerism and philanthropy throughout UWRC’s service area.
Before joining UWRC, she worked for the City of Huntington as a Love Your Block program coordinator, managing volunteers for six local revitalization projects. She also previously worked for WV Hive Network as an AmeriCorps VISTA and outreach assistant.
“I could not be more pleased about Sarah’s promotion to director of resource development,” said Jedd Flowers, UWRC’s executive director. “Sarah brings with her immense experience from her previous role with the agency. She is also one of the most positive and caring individuals I have ever met. Sarah is deeply passionate about the work United Way is doing every day to build stronger, more resilient communities.
“She also understands that any ability we have to make a positive impact in the communities we serve is directly tied to the quality of the relationships we maintain with our donors, business and civic leaders, government agencies, board members and funded agency partners. Our desire is that United Way of the River Cities be the most trusted, most effective stewards of our communities’ charitable resources. As we move forward, Sarah’s integrity and strength of character makes her the perfect person to represent our agency in this crucial role.”
As director of resource development, Short will lead United Way’s fundraising efforts through workplace campaigns, corporate giving, individual donations, special events and more. She said she wants to focus on being a good steward of the relationships United Way has built in the community and start building relationships with new people and organizations.
“I am so lucky to be in a position where I get to work with such amazing people every day,” Short said. “My coworkers are the absolute best. Our community’s leaders and donors are just incredible. The folks who are putting in the hard work to lift people out of poverty are as inspirational as the people who put in the hard work to get themselves in a better place. This is my dream job.”
Short earned a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University and is very active in the community. She is a member of Kiwanis Club of Huntington, Huntington Junior League and Huntington Young Professionals. She is also a Generation West Virginia 2023 Fellow.
“Dec. 1, 2023, marked my third-year work anniversary with United Way of the River Cities, first as resource development associate and then as resource development coordinator,” said Short. “During my time at UWRC, I have had the opportunity to learn first-hand the skills that are required to be successful in this role, as well as familiarize myself with the tools and practices vital to the resource development department including our relationship management software, annual fundraising and volunteer events, and running our annual campaign. As the resource development coordinator, I was able to grow my skills in event planning, data analysis, and public speaking to further the overall goal of United Way of the River Cities, by connecting our community with resources to reduce poverty and improve lives.”
