Our Mission
Our Board
Annual Report
Our Financials
Agency Screening
United Way of Kent County works to improve the Health, Education and Financial Stability of Individuals and Families in Kent County.
United Way of Kent County believes that no one organization can change the conditions in our community. Rather we hold that building community partnerships and bringing together diverse stakeholders better equips us to address the root problems facing Kent County. As a result, United Way continues to focus on community partnerships as the most effective approach to problem solving.
United Way of Kent County, Maryland fosters and promotes an inclusive environment that leverages the unique contributions of diverse individuals and organizations so that we can collectively and effectively create opportunities for a better life for all.
We focus on promoting an inclusive environment in every aspect of our business, where everyone respects and values the contributions of all people. The different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives of our community strengthen the quality of our work and the success of our organizations.
Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of what it means to LIVE UNITED.
The United Way of Kent County (UWKC) is committed to programs and activities that are free of racial or ethnic discrimination. UWKC endeavors to provide and maintain an environment that fosters respect among all members of the community.
UWKC strives to provide an environment where individuals are free to grow intellectually, personally, professionally, and socially without intimidation or fear. Intimidation and harassment affect not only those who suffer the harassment, but every Kent County Resident.
UWKC recognizes discrimination has contributed to disparities, in the past, present and most likely the future, and these disparities have been exacerbated by policies and procedures creating dependency.
UWKC sincerely believes racism/ethnic discrimination undermines the strengths of every community in Kent County and denounces any form of racism/ethnic discrimination.
UWKC works with partners statewide to create solutions to see every Kent County Resident succeed and thrive and create more equitable communities.
Racial and ethnic discrimination is a violation of federal and state law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) and other key federal civil rights statues.
The Board of Directors of United Way of Kent County takes very seriously its role as good stewards of community donations. Allocating funds to local nonprofits is an important job of the Board. Each Nonprofit must complete an Allocation Application yearly, which includes the mission of the nonprofit and the parameters of the programs within United Way’s Mission that UWKC is being asked to fund, financial statements, audits and 990, brochures and other relative materials, numbers of Kent County residents that will be served, and perceived impact on the community. The Allocation Committee reads each application. Nonprofits are often asked to participates in a 30 minute Allocation Interview with the Committee, at which time it can present and further explain its application. After all applications have been reviewed and applicants interviewed, the Committee meets to designate funds to each nonprofit that meets the criteria, and decides how much that funding will be. All in all, the process takes about five months.
Vice President
Amanda is native to Kent County and is the owner and operator of Fit Flock, LLC, located in Chestertown. She is the Vice President of The Chester River Wellness Alliance and leads Community Flock Walks during the warmer months. She is a volunteer with Kent County 4-H and The Maryland Business Roundtable. Amanda is active in Sacred Heart and St John's parish as a lector. Her main passion is health and wellness and she can be found buying all her groceries at the Chestertown Farmers Market and participating in local races. She enjoys helping other small businesses and working closely with her community members.
President
Senior level banking executive with over 35 years banking experience from launching a mortgage division for a rapidly growing $2 billion Bank to being President and CEO of a $400 million publicly traded Bank (NASDAQ). In addition, acted as a financial consultant for a cryptocurrency trust company that was purchasing a Bank in Oklahoma and coordinated the approval process with the State and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Most recently and before joining Chesapeake Bank and Trust as their President/CEO, was the Chief Operating Officer for Baltimore Community Lending, LLC, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) lending to minority businesses and developers in Baltimore City.
Secretary
Muriel, who joined the Board in 2020, has vast experience with the senior population, working with the Maryland state Commission on Aging. Now a retiree herself, she has shared her knowledge in Kent County with the Kent County Commission on Aging, Homeports, and with her column in the Kent County news, "Seniors Matter." She has already been instrumental in getting the message of United Way's mission out to the public. Muriel lives in Chestertown.
Executive Director
Amy joined the United Way of Kent County after 15 years of owning her own successful business, Teknika Kitchens and Baths in Chestertown and Philadelphia. Prior to that Amy spent 20 years in the corporate world with such companies as Frito-Lay, Novartis and Destination Maternity in roles ranging from marketing to finance.
Amy moved to Chestertown in 2020 and immediately became active in volunteer activities including Chestertown Tea Party Committee and Main Street Chestertown.
Amy lives in Queen Anne's County with two very large dogs, Malone and Mak.
Director
Rebecca Murphy is the Principal of RCM Strategic Consulting in Chestertown. Her company does, among other things, strategic planning. She joined the Board in 2020 and serves on the Strategic Planning Committee and co-chairs the Allocations Committee. Her passion is positive social change, particularly particularly addressing economic and racial inequality, discrimination against women, people of color, and the LGBTQI community. When she is not working, Rebecca can be found puttering around cities admiring historic architecture and finding interesting wines to drink, texting one of her two wonderful children, enjoying an Orioles game, sailing on the Chester River, or on a beach somewhere with her Kindle.
Director
Johnnie Johnson completed his undergraduate degree in Economics & Business and Sociology at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, IA. He served as the Senior Associate Director of Admissions, and the Director of Admissions at Georgetown College in Georgetown, KY. Johnnie joined the Transylvania admissions staff in July 2011 serving as the Associate Director of Admissions, Director of Operations, Director of Multicultural Recruitment, Director of Admissions and as the Vice President for Admissions. Johnnie joined Washington College as Vice President for Enrollment Management in September 2022. He has also served as the Affiliate Presidents Council Coordinator with the National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), as president of the Kentucky Association of College Admissions Counseling (KYACAC), as a board member of the YMCA Black Achievers Program, and is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
Director
Nicole Caringal is a seasoned financial advisor and small business owner with over 20
years of experience in the financial industry. Throughout her career, she has held key
positions at T. Rowe Price, LPL Financial, and Raymond James.
Committed to community service, Nicole has been an active member of the United Way
Board since 2023, contributing to both the Nominating and Finance Committees. She
also plays a vital role in the Chestertown Rotary, supporting numerous local charities
and events to help strengthen her community.
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Nicole enjoys restoring a historic stone
house on High Street alongside her husband, embracing the challenge of renovation
with enthusiasm.
Director
Beth joins the Board of the United Way after having spent over 40 years working as an investment banker, most of which was spent in New York and the final 11 years in Wilmington, DE. She retired from banking in 2023 and now works with the YMCA of Kent County and sits on the board of Chester River Country Club. Beth and her husband are also very involved with supporting the work of Martin's House and Barn.
Our fiscal year is July 1- June 30 starting in 2022-2023. Prior to that our fiscal year was September 1 – August 31
2022 – 2023 Annual Report (This FY was Sept 1st – June 30th)