The United Way of West Central Mississippi has a new director of marketing and community relations after Kristen Meehan stepped down to pursue her MBA in Charlottesville, Va.

With big shoes to fill the United Way has hired Tyler McNeal, a Meridian native.

“I’ve got the big shoes, I don’t know if I can fill her shoes,” McNeal said. “I’ll do my best.”

McNeal’s job is to promote and educate the community about the United Way and its 22 partner agencies.

“We’re excited to have Tyler and confident he will do a great job,” executive director Michelle Connelly said.

He brings six years of experience in the banking industry to the organization. He received a bachelor of science in business administration from Belhaven College. McNeal was a three-year starter, senior captain and all-conference in football.

He met his wife Amy Ethridge, a Vicksburg native, while both were attending Belhaven. Amy is a 2004 St. Al graduate. They have twin girls, Farrah and Madelyn, who are 16 months old.

After graduation they moved to Meridian where McNeal was involved with Young Professionals and Kiwanis Club and they attended Poplar Springs Drive United Methodist

McNeal plans to become a member of PRAM and the young professionals of Vicksburg.

In his spare time he enjoys spending time with family, watching sports (primarily football), playing golf and grilling.

The McNeals are currently trying to find a home church in Vicksburg.