NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - Trident United Way has announced Peter LaMotte as chair of its Board of Directors and welcomed seven new board members, effective July 1.
LaMotte succeeds Melanie Stith, who completed her term as board chair and will remain on the board as immediate past chair. In his role, LaMotte will work closely with Trident United Way President and CEO DJ Hampton and the organization’s leadership team to advance its bold community goal of uplifting 15,000 families out of poverty by 2035.
LaMotte, who serves as president at Chernoff Newman, brings more than 20 years of experience in reputation management, marketing and strategic communications, advising organizations and their leaders during high-stakes situations. He also serves on the boards of the Palmetto Project, Lowcountry Center for Veterans Research, Charleston Regional Development Alliance, and the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce.
Hampton said the leadership transition comes as Trident United Way continues building on the work that shaped its focus on financial stability.
“Melanie was a transformational leader for Trident United Way at a pivotal moment,” Hampton said. “Her strengths as a strategist and human resources professional built a strong foundation we are proud to carry forward as we work to help 15,000 families move from poverty to lasting stability. Peter’s communications expertise will help us tell the story of hardworking Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) families struggling to afford life’s basics, and the lives being changed through TUW’s innovative Family Coaching program. I look forward to building on Melanie’s legacy with Peter and our new board members. “
Trident United Way also welcomes the following new members to its Board of Directors:
- Victor Cruz, Beacon Community Bank
- Hannah Gurtis, United Bank
- Todd Halloran, South Carolina Stingrays
- Aiyana Mathews, Gardner-Mathews Global Management
- Dan Schaefer, LS3P
- Amy Stasiukaitis, Low Country Case & Millwork
- Jeff Wilson, HCA Healthcare
"It is an honor to join the Trident United Way board, and I look forward to continuing the success built by the board chairs who came before me," LaMotte said. "Trident United Way has spent the last several years asking hard questions, listening to the community and using data to build a model that helps families reach lasting stability. That model is now ready to grow, with Family Coaching expanding and Thrive@™ access points meeting families where they are, including workplaces, schools, places of worship and housing communities. This organization's leadership has built something Charleston can be proud of, and I am honored to serve as board chair during this critical stage of the work."
Trident United Way also thanks the following outgoing board members for their service and dedication to the Tri-County community:
- Barbara Melvin, Community Volunteer
- Rita Berry, Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce
- P.J. Browning, Evening Post Publishing
- Mollie Gore, Santee Cooper
- Mayor Greg Habib, City of Goose Creek
- Todd Lant, Blackbaud
- The Rev. Marion Platt, Star Gospel
- Geona Shaw Johnson, Tri-County Housing Futures Fund
“We are grateful to each board member whose service is ending this year,” Hampton said. “They gave their time, perspective and leadership during a period of transformation for Trident United Way. Their work strengthened what we are building today, and families across our community will continue to benefit from it.”
For more information about Trident United Way and to view the full Board of Directors, visit TUW.org/Board-Directors.
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ABOUT TRIDENT UNITED WAY
For more than 80 years, Trident United Way has been a trusted partner in building a stronger future for Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. With a bold goal to uplift 15,000 families out of poverty by 2035, we lead collaborative solutions that increase income, reduce debt and open pathways to opportunity for local families, creating lasting impact for generations to come.