After six years of dedicated service, Shaunae Motley will step down as President & CEO of United Way of Southwest Georgia (UWSWGA).

Since taking the helm in 2019, Motley has led UWSWGA through some of its toughest challenges and greatest successes, expanding the organization's reach and deepening its impact across the region. Under her leadership, UWSWGA has strengthened its investment in rural communities, forged critical partnerships, and mobilized resources to tackle some of southwest Georgia’s most pressing challenges. 

“Serving as President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Georgia has been one of the greatest honors of my career. This work has been both strategic and heart-driven—guided by a deep love for community and a commitment to creating lasting change. I am immensely grateful to our board, staff, donors, and community partners who have made this journey so impactful,” said Motley. “While transitions are always bittersweet, I leave knowing that UWSWGA is stronger than ever and poised for continued success.”

Motley’s tenure has been defined by a commitment to equity, innovation, and collaboration. She played a pivotal role in securing transformative funding to support regional recovery efforts and capacity-building initiatives, ensuring local nonprofits and community programs have the resources to thrive. 

“Shaunae’s leadership has left an indelible mark on United Way of Southwest Georgia,” said Mark Johnson, Chair of United Way's Board of Directors and Business Development Officer at Georgia's Own Credit Union. “Her passion, vision, and unwavering dedication have strengthened our organization and positioned us for continued impact. While we are sad to see her go, we celebrate all she has accomplished and wish her the best in her next chapter.” 

During her tenure, Motley spearheaded numerous milestones, including: 

• Financial Growth & Sustainability: Expanded UWSWGA’s annual budget to $1.3 million, doubling revenue and securing over $3M in grants to support regional programs. 

• Organizational Growth & Visibility: Led the rebranding of UWSWGA to emphasize its role as more than a grantmaker, positioning it as a key connector, convener, and catalyst for change. 

• Community-Centered Investment: Revamped United Way’s funding process to incorporate more community voices, data, and a flexible structure, increasing participation by smaller grassroots nonprofits.

• COVID-19 Response & Resilience: Led United Way of Southwest Georgia’s crisis response, raising $800K+ in relief funding to support families, businesses, and nonprofits.

• Youth Mental Health Advocacy: Established the Youth United Teen Mental Health Coalition as part of Resilient Southwest Georgia's trauma-informed initiative to promote youth well-being. 

• Violence Prevention in Schools: Launched a school safety initiative in partnership with local school districts and nationally recognized Sandy Hook Promise initiative to prevent school violence and promote positive school climates.

• Homelessness Prevention: Spearheaded UWSWGA’s role as the Department of Community Affairs’ Coordinated Entry Lead for Dougherty County, streamlining services and expanding support for individuals facing housing insecurity. 

• Equity & Advocacy: Established an annual United Way SWGA Day at the Capitol, exposing partner agencies and Youth United to legislative priorities that impact human services, and advocating for systemic change in healthcare access and social services.

Motley’s impact extends statewide through her board service with the Georgia Foundation for Public Education and the Georgia Grantmakers Alliance, where she has advocated for bridging the resource gap between metro Atlanta and rural Georgia. She also serves on local boards including: 4C Academy Foundation, Randolph County Family Connection (formerly Board Chair), and Flint River Fresh (Advisory Board Member).

Her contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Georgia Women’s Legislative Caucus Nikki T. Randall Servant Leadership Award (2023) and the Trailblazer in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award from United Way Southeast Region (2022). She has also been honored as a national American Express NGen Fellow (2019) and Zell Miller Leadership Institute participant (2019).

As she prepares for her next chapter, Motley leaves behind a legacy of transformational leadership and a stronger, more resilient United Way of Southwest Georgia. Her last day will be April 18, 2025. 

United Way of Southwest Georgia will announce plans for leadership transition in the coming weeks.