United Way’s campaign account managers are gearing up for their parts in raising the agency’s 2008 goal of $1,525,000.

Account managers are the liaisons between United Way and local companies involved in the yearly fundraising effort. They are responsible for fundraising within the companies. Each company has a coordinator who collects money from employees. Account managers can also arrange tours of the agencies United Way helps fund, allowing donors to see exactly how their money is being spent.

“It’s so important that when you’re out there and you’re considering donating, you can see the agencies,” said Cindy Hilton, community/campaign assistant for United Way.

The campaign officially kicks off Sept. 5, but preparations are under way. Along with the account managers, an 11-person cabinet and campaign chairman Don Jarratt are working to meet – or surpass – the goal that was set June 4.

The 2007 goal was $1,582,000; about $1,525,822 was raised.

The account managers will by led by chairman Virginia Regan, a member of the 2008 United Way board of directors and the 2008 campaign cabinet. She is employed at Trustmark National Bank and attended Warren Central High School and Hinds Community College. Regan has three children.

The 2008 account managers:

Allison M. Brewer – Brewer is a lawyer at Wheeless, Shappley, Bailess & Rector. She was a 2007 account manager. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi and a juris doctorate from Mississippi College. She and her husband, David, have two children.

Susan Gilfoil – Gilfoil works at Guaranty Bank & Trust Co. She has served in several volunteer capacities for United Way – a member of the campaign cabinet for three years, the board of directors for six years, campaign coordinator for three years and a member of the Allocation Committee for nine years. She has degrees from Southern Methodist University, Hinds Community College and the University of Colorado. She has two children.

Josie Mayfield Hudson – Hudson is a self-employed lawyer in the law office of Josie Mayfield Hudson. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Jackson State University and a juris doctorate from the Howard University School of Law. She is married to Michael Hudson.

Jill Ledet – Ledet works at May & Company. She has a degree from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and is married to Jeremy Ledet.

Linda Middleton – Middleton is employed at Cooper Lighting and has volunteered for the United Way as a company coordinator. She attended Vicksburg Business College. She and her husband, John, have three children and seven grandchildren.

Larry Pharr – Pharr works for Batesville Casket Co., where he is campaign coordinator. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He and his wife, Cheryl, have three children.

Martha Roberts – Roberts is retired from the Vicksburg Warren School District. She is a member of the Keep Vicksburg Warren Beautiful board of directors and the Warren County Firefighters Auxiliary. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a master’s degree from Mississippi College. She and her husband, Charles, have two children and four grandchildren.

Patty Shropshire – Shropshire is employed with Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service. She volunteered with the United Way as the 2005 campaign prospect chair and an account manager in 2007. She attended Clinton High School. She and her husband, Donald, have two children.

Shirley A. Smith – Smith works at the Vicksburg National Military Park. She is a United Way board member and a member of the Allocation Committee and was a key person for the United Way’s CFC campaign for the Vicksburg National Military Park. She is also a financial clerk for Mercy Seat M.B. Church. She attended Hinds Community College. She and her husband, Rodney, have two children.

Member agenciesAmerican Red CrossBoy Scouts of AmericaChild Abuse Prevention ServicesChristian Volunteer ServicesCommunity Council of Warren CountyCentral Mississippi Prevention ServicesGirl Scout CouncilGood Shepherd Community CouncilGrace Christian Christian Counseling CenterHaven House Family ShelterHIV ServicesMagnolia Speech SchoolMIDD-WestThe Salvation ArmyVicksburg Family DevelopmentWarren County Children’s CenterWarren County Habitat for HumanityWarren-Yazoo Mental HealthWe Care Community ServicesYMCA