CULLMAN, Ala. – United Way of Cullman County is pleased to announce their new executive director. The United Way Board of Cullman County has named Waid Harbison to take over the position of leading the agency beginning May 24. Harbison will replace Becky Goff, who recently retired April 15 after five years of service to the United Way. He spent seven years in administrative roles for Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism, as well as serving on many local boards, committees and volunteering for local causes for over 12 years. Waid also has an extensive background in marketing, business and sales, working in marketing positions for several private sector businesses over the last five years. He currently owns A-1 Marketing Services where he has worked with many local businesses, retailers, organizations and churches.
“I am very excited and honored to have been named as the executive director,” Harbison stated. “I have been heavily involved in the community for over 12 years in many leadership roles, boards and committees, and I am excited to take my next steps in serving the community by leading the United Way. I am a very servant minded person and my passion is to get up every day and ask what I can do to serve other people and our community, so I know this is a perfect opportunity to truly be able to live this out every day.”
The United Way’s 2022-23 campaign began April 1 and Harbison has big plans moving forward to help grow resources for the community and the United Way’s many partner agencies. “My goal is to come in with a strategic plan to really be able to double the resources we give our partner agencies over the next few years. We currently work with 17 partner agencies and impact 20% of the population in Cullman County with our allocations every year; however, there are still so many needs in our community that are not able to be met. Being able to increase our resources and funding to our partner agencies is where we will really be able to see that additional significant increase to the community impact the United Way has.”
Harbison said meeting the goals for the United Way will require much assistance, as United Way relies heavily on volunteers. “One of our top priorities for making the additional impact on our partner agencies is the ability to get volunteers. We will be heavily recruiting volunteers to help us achieve the goals set up in our strategic plan and really be able to meet as many of these unmet needs in the community as possible.”
Harbison also spoke positively of outgoing Executive Director Becky Goff. Goff had worked as assistant director and executive director of the Cullman County United Way for many years. “Becky has left the United Way in amazing position, so I am very blessed to be walking in day one to the organization being at an all-time high under her leadership. She has done a phenomenal job with her many years of service, and we wish her well on her retirement.” Harbison said he plans to carry on the work Goff has begun by carrying out her legacy of excellence as leader for the United Way of Cullman County.
