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Sally Love, a local community leader, retired from the Beaufort County United Way after serving as the Executive Director for eight years. 

Originally from Pennsylvania, Love and her husband relocated to Washington 28 years ago. Together, they opened Sunflowers Book Store on W. Main Street, Washington. Love has held numerous leadership positions with many area business and civic organizations, human services committees, groups, initiatives and boards, including serving as President of the Downtown Merchants Association, co-leading the launch of Smoke on the Water, and acting as the first chair for the committee to restore the Turnage Theater.  

 Love led efforts to start First Contact, a suicide helpline, and then went on to serve as the executive director for Eagle’s Wings Food Pantry for three years. Love recently helped launch SafeHarbor, a helpline for those who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of being unsheltered. Love’s motivation stems from her passion to help people. Her legacy lives within the countless underserved individuals and families in Beaufort County who found help when they needed it the most.  

 “Sally has been a tireless advocate in our community promoting equal opportunities for everyone to have a good life to uplift those in need,” United Way Board President Evan Lewis said. “She is well loved and respected by local peers, community leaders, and statewide United Way colleagues. Sally has a good heart and a strong desire to help those in need. Our community is a better place because of Sally Love.”

 Hired to follow Love as the next Executive Director for the organization is Sue Tidd. She brings with her over 25 years of experience working in various capacities for local and national non-profits, including United Way of Mid-Maine, United Way of Pitt County, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In her previous roles, Tidd organized fundraising events, marketing and communication, coordinated volunteer initiatives for youth and adults, and led community engagement activities.   

 “I believe so firmly in the approach United Way takes to solving complex community issues,” Tidd shares. “We can accomplish so much more when together we collectively define the issues and create a shared vision to solve it.” 

 Over the coming months, Tidd plans to visit all areas of Beaufort County, meeting with local leaders and community members to gain insight and information about the challenges members of the community face daily. 

 “We must better understand the challenges people struggle with that stop them from living their best lives.” says Tidd. “We begin by asking them.”  

A retirement celebration for Sally Love has been scheduled for June 30th from 4-7pm at the Turnage Theater. Community members are invited to stop by and say thank you to Sally for her tireless efforts for our Beaufort County communities.