United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties serves as the primary community solutions leader for human services, by identifying issues, developing partnerships, implementing a plan of action, and measuring and communicating results. Meagan Flippin began in a development role when she joined 10 years ago and took on responsibilities such as marketing, events, programs and services, and volunteer engagement over the years. In 2013, the local board of directors appointed her as the President and CEO.
Flippin grew up in the Middle Tennessee area and brings the unique quality of knowing the community inside and out. “I know where it has been, where it is, and can recognize where United Way plays a role in shaping its future,” says Flippin. Because of its global network and impact, United Way is able to provide access to resources like research, trainings and professional development, while still making decisions that locally affect the community.
Despite still having to adhere to certain legal, financial, and operating best practices in order to have a membership as a United Way, Flippin says, “our local board of directors is the true governing body of our organization.”
Over the years, Flippin has worked to develop the United Way brand to being more than just a fundraising organization. They are marketing themselves instead as a community solutions leader and they are working on integrating that mindset in all areas of the organization, from how they communicate to the fundraising, making decisions and the approach to the program itself and the service work.
Flippin and her team just launched the Bold Goals 2030, which are ten-year community goals that were created based on qualitative input from the community as well as quantitative data from various institutions, and developed by a 24-member task force reflective of local leadership in various sectors. These goals include things such as decreasing the number of drug related deaths, increasing reported good mental health days, ensuring children are ready for kindergarten, reducing the obesity rate, and assisting with affordable housing.
Flippin and her team are constantly connecting with other United Ways in order to better understand progressive solutions and best practices that have created results in other cities, and work to integrate them into our United Way and community. Today, United Way is the world’s largest charitable nonprofit. There are more than 1,800 affiliates in over 40 countries that all focus on providing local solutions in the areas of health, education, and financial stability.
Meagan Flippin encourages anyone to check out the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties website www.yourlocaluw.org if they are interested in getting involved. You can also check out any upcoming events at www.yourlocalaw.org/events.