Heidi Burrell’s smile is contagious, and when she talks about her job as the director of resource development for the United Way of West Central Mississippi, one can see and feel the passion she possesses for the people she serves.

If her smile translated into dollars, the fundraising organization would be able to fund all 22 of their agencies to the fullest.

“I am getting paid to do what I love to do,” Burrell said.

Before becoming a full time employee for the United Way, Burrell said she was a slot office manager with Ameristar.

It was while working at the casino that she got her first taste of volunteering for the local organization.

“I ran their employee giving program,” she said, and in 1987, was named volunteer of the year.

In 2013, due to changes made at the casino, Burrell was let go.

Taking the layoff in stride, she decided to take the summer off before seeking out another job, but in the interim Burrell got a call from the United Way wanting her to apply for the position that includes running the annual fundraising campaign for the local United Way chapter.

“It was perfect timing. Everything came full circle,” Burrell said.

One of the things she likes most about her job is that she gets to see the entire spectrum of the United Way’s activities.

“I get to see both sides, and I am fortunate to see the money coming in and services going out,” she said.

When asked, Burrell said she could not pick a favorite agency.

“I think all of the agencies are vital, and they are all so near and dear,” she said.

The 22 agencies include services focused on children, youth, adults and elderly, and people may not know when one of the agencies could provide needed assistance, she said.

“I never saw myself using as agency until my uncle passed, and my son was on a submarine,” Burrell said.

“The Salvation Army got in touch with him, and he was able to make it to the funeral,” she said.

“That was worth every dollar I have given to the United Way,” she said.

Colleagues of Burrell describe her as a passionate and dedicated person.

“She is very dedicated about what she does and is a great communicator. When she sets her mind to something, she gets it done,” said Kristen Meehan, the director of marketing and community relations for agency.

“Heidi was passionate about the United Way before she started working here. She loves the agencies and their missions. She is also a cornerstone to her family and her church,” said Michele Connelly, the agencies executive director.

Burrell, who grew up in Rhode Island, is the mother of three children. She and her husband have been married for 20 years, and the couple lives in Hermanville.

“I’m very active in the Claiborne County PTA, and I teach preschool at the King David Church,” she said.

Burrell is also a board member of the Vicksburg Kiwanis Club.

In her free time, Burrell said she enjoys time in her garden and gives out pickled peppers and jellies as Christmas gifts.

“I’m pretty simple. I pretty much just work, home, kids, Sunday school and community,” she said.