A six-month national search for the next CEO of United Way of the Lowcountry concluded when the Board of Directors approved the appointment of Tina Lamb Gentry of Asheville, NC, as their next president and Chief Executive Officer.

“I am truly honored to be selected to serve the United Way of the Lowcountry in this capacity,” Gentry said. “I am eager to build on the momentum that has been generated with our community impact areas of health, education and financial stability in order to serve the residents in our communities.”

[caption id="attachment_10311" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Comm-Tina-Gentry-United-Way-Lowcountry-CEO.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-10311" alt="Tina Gentry-United Way Lowcountry CEO" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Comm-Tina-Gentry-United-Way-Lowcountry-CEO-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Tina Gentry-United Way Lowcountry CEO[/caption]

After 18-plus years of helping make Beaufort and Jasper counties a better place, United Way CEO Clarece Walker retired in late February.

Since 2003, Gentry has worked as vice president of patient access and sustainable resources for Four  Seasons in Flat Rock, N.C., where she oversaw a $20 million annual budget and 277 staff members with duties including researching, creating, implementing and evaluating comprehensive business and strategic plans.

From 1994-2002, Gentry worked with the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce and prior to that worked in banking, including then-Nations Bank of Hilton Head Island.

“We are very fortunate to have someone with Tina’s demonstrated leadership abilities, experience, compassion and community commitment join our team,” said Peter Post, chairman of the board for United Way of the Lowcountry.

“It’s a challenge to step into Clarece’s shoes after all she’s done for the Lowcountry, but we have every confidence that Mrs. Gentry will take us to even greater heights,” Post said.

A 35-year veteran of United Way, Walker announced her retirement last June. The Board of Director’s search committee, led by Chris McCorkendale, sought both local talent and those with national experience.

Gentry was selected from more than 60 qualified applicants, McCorkendale said.

“We reviewed many outstanding candidates,” he said. “On behalf of the Search Committee and the United Way Board, we want to thank the applicants for their interest in helping improve the Lowcountry, we congratulate Tina and look forward to further advancing our community impact objectives.”

Gentry holds a Bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from the University of South Carolina, an associate’s degree with a concentration in accounting from USCB, and is pursuing a Master’s in healthcare administration from the University of Cincinnati. Gentry graduated from Beaufort High in 1988.
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