Anna Huit, Chair
Why you were drawn to serve on the UW board?
I believe in our community and could see an opportunity to have a greater impact on our community.

One of your favorite things?
My favorite song is Landslide by Fleetwood Mac.

Two fun facts about you?
I am happiest with a fishing pole in my hand. I have 4 boys.

Sara Stevens, Vice Chair – Executive Director, South Coast Regional Early Learning Hub

Why you were drawn to serve on the UW 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.

Heather Casas, Treasurer –  Store Manager, Umpqua Bank North Bend

Why you were drawn to serve on the UW board?
I was drawn to United Way because of how it helps our local community. It also gives me a lot of opportunity to get out into the community and get involved with volunteering.

One of your favorite things?
My favorite vacation spot is Mexico.

Two fun facts about you?
I love to read in my spare time, I grew up in Grants Pass OR and have lived in the Coos Bay/North Bend area for 10 years.

Jamar Ruff, Secretary – Outreach Coordinator, Coos Head Food Co-Op

Why you were drawn to serve on the UW board?
I love helping others and I love how the United Way’s main focus is to promote togetherness in our community.

One of your favorite things?
My favorite food is peach cobbler.

Two fun facts about you?
I am a huge fan of the musical Rent. I make the best mac ‘n cheese ever!

Karlee Cottrell – Program Coordinator, Common Ground Mediation

Why were you drawn to serve on the UW board?
I wanted to serve on the United Way of Southwestern Oregon board because I believe in a healthy and capable community and I feel the work UWSWO does will help get us there.

One of your favorite things?
Having the time on a sunny afternoon to just sit and read a book outside.

Two fun facts about you?
I live for weekend road trips and I’m allergic to emu oil!

Stephanie Hadley  – Owner/Partner, Yak Social

Why you were drawn to serve on the UW board?
Our Yak Pack volunteered with United Way through the Day of Caring and had an instant connection with the organization. Community is important in order for people to lift each other up and allow people to thrive. I love the idea of being a part of a team that will significantly impact the landscape of our community in the upcoming years.

One of your favorite things?
Anything outside – especially beach hikes with my pup Betty!

Two fun facts about you?
My mom and I have the same birthday and I love to travel for concerts!

Justin Miller  – Branch Manager, Oregon Pacific Bank

Why you were drawn to serve on the UW board?
My first encounter with United Way was through the Day of Caring and I loved helping the elderly and giving back to the community, also the United Way helped my daughter start a Day of Caring in Myrtle Point. A couple of my co-workers were previous board members and I wanted to serve because of how the United Way contributes to many different organizations.

One of your favorite things?
Besides my family, I’m an avid sports fan, mainly football and basketball, I still play basketball a couple days a week.

Two fun facts about you?
I collect Nike/Jordan shoes I have way over 100 pairs, and I’ve been on vacation to Disneyland around 25 times.

Nina Nolan – Associate Attorney, Law Office of Margaret K Melvin

Why you were drawn to serve on the UW board?
I feel called to help others, and see serving on the United Way Board as a way to help those in our community who need it most.

One of your favorite things?
Collecting and taking care of my house plants!

Two fun facts about you?
I’m obsessed with Star Wars—I have a Princess Leia tattoo and my dog is named Obi-Wan Kenobi. Also, I have knitted 3 sweaters!

Joe Paulet – Producer, Neptune Birch

Why you were drawn to serve on the UW board?
I was drawn to the board of United Way of Southwestern Oregon for 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?
I’d have to say one of my favorite things is 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.

Ryan Wortman – Planning Technician, City of North Bend

Why you were drawn to serve on the UW board?
Volunteering is very important to me and the United Way is an essential component to the progression of our community. My hope is to provide a local government perspective while serving on the board.

One of your favorite things?
I love to travel, preferably international backpacking.

Two fun facts about you?
I have a Blue Healer/Aussie mix named Clementine and a kitten named Asa. I randomly drove the Country for over a month, until I settled in Coos Bay. I am proud to call the Coos Bay Area home almost five years later.

Jen Shafer, Executive Director
Why do you work for United Way of Southwestern Oregon?
I appreciate the breadth of organizations UWSWO supports through our mission of improving the health, education, and financial stability of all residents of Coos and Curry Counties. I also have a passion for bringing community leaders together to solve complex challenges, and our collective impact work allows me to do just this.

One of your favorite things?
I could easily spend hours in the garden – weeding is one of my favorite garden tasks!

Two fun facts about you?
I have visited all seven continents and my partner and I spent 3.5 years traveling internationally and around the Pacific Northwest prior to relocating to Coos Bay in 2016. And like Jamar, I am also a huge fan of the musical Rent!

Beth Barker-Hidalgo, Curry Community Impact Manager
Why do you work for United Way of Southwestern Oregon?
I work for my community.  UWSWO happens to work for community as well – it’s a great fit and a win/win for all concerned.

One of your favorite things?
Blueberries (or non-food, camping, fishing, hiking….)

Two fun facts about you?
I have two beautiful grand daughters whom I love with all my heart – they are not local so I don’t get to see them very often. Thank goodness for social media & smart phones. I am a New Englander, born in Vermont, raised bi-coastal in CA and Massachusetts. I was fortunate to have a great deal more exposure to varying cultures and experiences than most of the kids I grew up with.

Char Luther, Community Builder
Why do you work for United Way of Southwestern Oregon?
I work with United Way of Southwestern Oregon because I believe in building community and working together to find solutions to issues.  UWSWO leads the way to educate and engage all levels of the community for the greatest impact possible.

One of your favorite things?
My favorite thing is listening to my 20 and 22 year old granddaughters interacting with their group of friends.  They are so much fun, and oh, the things I learn!

Two fun facts about you?
I have a great time playing poker!  The same group has been meeting regularly for more than 15 years with a $10 buy-in.  We even have a book on Amazon of all the silly games we created – “Gal Pal Poker.” And I LOVE babies – especially pre-walking.

Lani Schreiber
Community Impact Coordinator, Coos County

Why do you work for United Way of Southwestern Oregon?
I love that United Way focuses on collaboration and working together as a community to make the greatest impact.  I truly believe in our mission of improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world and locally to advance the common good.

One of your favorite things?
Traveling around the world learning about other cultures and customs.  There is nothing quite like watching my two and five year old children light up when they taste new foods and meet new people from all over the world!

Two fun facts about you?
I was born and raised in Hawaii. I spent my childhood summers on a 300 acre farm with no electricity or indoor bathroom.