United Way names board members

Board of Directors of the East/Central Texas United Way named four new members to the board during January’s meeting and saluted two long-serving members who ended their tenure.

Named to 3-year terms were Deborah Richbourg Fuller of Elkhart, office manager for East Texas Fabrication; Will Hatch of Oakwood, general manager of KBHT Radio;

Kimberly McGuire of Palestine who is a State Farm agent; and Laura Villareal of Palestine who is director of Palestine Regional Medical Center’s Women’s Clinics.

Saluted for serving on the board for at least five years were Ron Safford, administrator of Palestine Regional Rehabilitation Hospital and Lorry Shannon, sales associate with KYYK/KNET. Both had previously served as president of the board and Safford had most recently served as treasurer. Board president Dale Pletcher presented each with a certificate of appreciation and a hand blown glass figurine with the United Way logo etched into the side.

Pletcher is owner of Palestine Scuba and an avid bike rider who organized the Ride the Hills the United Way bike ride.

Other members of the board are Michael Page, general transportation manager, Walmart Private Fleet, past president; Bob Klauser, Woodmen of the World, president-elect;

Connie Fain, East Texas National Bank trust officer, treasurer; Laura Gooding, local resident volunteer, finance and nomination committee chair; Kimberly Cooper, local resident volunteer; Eddie Turner, Walmart Asset Protection DC 6036; and Karen Buckland, Palestine high xchool teacher.

The East/Central Texas United Way serves Anderson, Freestone, Leon and Limestone Counties and currently has 15 partner agencies. The goal for funding in 2010 is $160,000.00.