Our dedicated board members help us accomplish our goals
United Way of Southwestern Oregon Board represents a range of sectors including government agencies, law, small business owners and employees, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, and independent community advocacy. Our Board and staff collectively participate in more than 50 Coos/Curry County Boards, committees, and local initiatives. These diverse perspectives and wide networks help to shape our community-driven strategies, priorities, and programs.
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Carolyn Acker
CHAIR
Program Director, Kairos Coastline ServicesWhy do you serve on the UWSWO board? I serve on the UW board because of the commitment to mobilizing community work that helps build safe and resilient communities.
One of your favorite things? Learning new hobbies.
Two fun facts about you? I am currently obsessed with making gluten free sourdough bread. I love traveling to new places.
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Haley Lagasse
VICE CHAIR
Director of Library Services, North Bend Public LibraryWhy do you serve on the UWSWO board? I want to live and work in a thriving, resilient community. Resilient communities require dedicated people, adaptability, sustainability and a willingness to confront challenges, all elements I have found in the United Way.
One of your favorite things? Eating cookies for breakfast.
Two fun facts about you? I make homemade bagels. I have a very cute and smart miniature schnauzer named Jack.
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Katlyn Liddell
SECRETARY
Assistant Director, Chetco Community Public LibraryWhy do you serve on the UWSWO board? I volunteered to serve on the board of directors because I wanted to be a part of United Way's recent efforts to expand its health, education, and financial mobility initiatives here in Curry County. I've lived in Brookings most of my life and want to do all I can to build a community that future generations feel they can thrive in.
One of your favorite things? A perfectly-baked moussaka will transport me to heaven.
Two fun facts about you? I've adapted two of William Shakespeare's plays, Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth, for performances in local venues. I'm also a co-host of KCIW's The Insider Report, a weekly local events and entertainment podcast.
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Joe Paulet
TREASURER
Producer, Neptune BirchWhy do you serve on the UWSWO board? There are many reasons, but mainly I believe in the mission and values that United Way embodies in our community. United Way is a corner stone of service organizations locally, and I want to help build resilience and prosperity in Southwestern Oregon.
One of your favorite things? Watching my dog play along the beach.
Two fun facts about you? Years ago I worked on Portlandia the TV show, and my favorite holiday is Halloween.
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Drew Farmer
BOARD MEMBER
Councilor, City of Coos BayWhy do you serve on the UWSWO board? The mission to drive coordination of non-profits and provide supports to agencies that will have the most effect on our community sounded like an excellent opportunity to expand the positive opportunities within our community.
One of your favorite things? Mingus Park Coos Bay.
Two fun facts about you? I am proof that videogames corrupted our youth; I played too much SimCity as a kid, now look at me. If you see me moving a lot on a Zoom meeting, it’s because I am playing with a weighted ball.
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Margaret Melvin
BOARD MEMBER
Retired AttorneyWhy do you serve on the UWSWO board? I really wanted to help the organization with their great work.
One of your favorite things? Spending time with my sons (one pictured).
Two fun facts about you? I have a Canadian passport. I am learning to surf.
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Sara Stephens
BOARD MEMBER
Director, South Coast Regional Early Learning Hub, and Coos Bay City CouncilorWhy do you serve on the UWSWO board? I believe United Way agencies have the opportunity to mobilize communities to solve large social issues.
One of your favorite things? My favorite thing is being with my family outside.
Two fun facts about you? I hiked from Georgia to Maine on the Appalachian trail in 2005, I have a yellow lab named Oscar.