After a six-month national search, the United Way of the Lowcountry board has selected Tina Lamb Gentry of Asheville, N.C., as the organization's new president and chief executive officer.
Gentry, a graduate of Beaufort High School, will begin work later this month, taking the place of retiring CEO Clarece Walker, a 35-year veteran of the United Way.
A priority will be successfully completing a campaign to raise $2.8 million for community needs, 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," Gentry said in a news release.
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. Her duties included researching, creating and evaluating business and strategic plans, United Way's release said.
From 1994-2002, Gentry worked with the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, and before that in banking, including a stint at the former NationsBank 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.
Gentry was selected from more than 60 qualified applicants.
She 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 USC-Beaufort, and is pursuing a master's degree in health care administration from the University of Cincinnati.
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