Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
Meet one Indiana transplant making a difference in Birmingham now
Reading time: 5 minutes
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Born and raised in Indiana, Garrett Summers is thrilled with his decision to move to the Birmingham area. Now, he, his fiancee Ali and their dog Ray-Ray can get outside year-round, thanks to the warmer weather.
He also loves his job as a Relationship Manager at United Way of Central Alabama.
Keep reading to learn what brought him to The Magic City and why he’s excited to go to work each day.
Meet Garrett Summers
Garrett Summers was born and raised in Indiana, then attended Indiana University. To this day, he’s a big IU sports fan.
Even though he loves his home state, Garrett and his fiancee Ali began applying for jobs in warmer locations a couple of years ago. They wanted a new place to live and work where they could continue to enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking with their dog Ray-Ray year-round.
While working in a law firm, Garrett dreamed of transitioning to a nonprofit and kept coming across the United Way logo while applying to different agencies.
One day, Garrett decided to send an application directly to them, and the rest is history.
In the summer of 2022, he began working as a Relationship Manager in Resource Development here at United Way of Central Alabama.
Now he, Ali and their pup live in Trussville, where they are active in Faith Community Fellowship, and they’re proud to be living and working in the Greater Birmingham Area.
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A day in the life of a relationship manager
Resource development varies day by day, depending on the time of the year.
- Q1: Diving into databases and spreadsheets, seeing what worked the previous year and what they can improve on. Recruiting and training volunteers.
- Q2: Making “CEO visits”—going out with volunteer leaders to meet with local decision-makers at their companies to ask them to consider supporting United Way of Central Alabama.
- Q3: Running the summer “Pacesetter Campaign” and setting the community goal.
- Q4: Running the annual campaign through volunteers and loaned executives—lots and lots of meetings, and ensuring that everyone feels supported and able to go out and do the job they’ve been chosen to do.
“I love feeling like I’m making a difference, and I feel like I’m doing that here at United Way of Central Alabama. I’m very fortunate that I’m not in short supply of any stories or testimonies to remind me that what I do has an impact.”
Garrett Summers, Relationship Manager, United Way of Central Alabama
For example, Garrett was recently in a retreat where another department came in to talk about a new initiative that’s taking place in Fairfield. The day before, a house burned in the area, and the family lost everything they owned.
“Within a couple of hours, they were able to help them get things like clothes, toiletries and shoes so they can go back to school.”
Garrett Summers, Relationship Manager, United Way of Central Alabama
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“We’re all in this together”
Garrett loves that everyone supports each other while striking a nice work-life balance.
“During the fall, things get kind of hectic. You’re plugged in for a good three months where it feels like you’re constantly going, so in the off-season, we make sure we take time to ourselves to get rejuvenated and rested and ready to do it again the next year.”
Garrett Summers, Relationship Manager, United Way of Central Alabama
Employees can go to a health coach at least annually for medical tests like blood pressure or lipid profile checks.
They also have a generous paid time off policy, which includes both vacation and sick time. For Garrett, this allows him to pursue the activities he enjoys.
“On the professional development side, there are always opportunities to take on more responsibility, as well as opportunities to learn. For example, I’m currently part of a mastermind course based on a John Maxwell Book. We read a couple of chapters every week, then have a group discussion afterward.”
Garrett Summers, Relationship Manager, United Way of Central Alabama
Although UWCA is a large nonprofit, the needs of the community are always larger. That said, for Garrett, “It does feel good to come to work where it feels like everyone is in the same boat trying to do everything they can to make a difference.”
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How you can get involved with United Way of Central Alabama
If you want to get involved with United Way of Central Alabama, check out their open positions today.
Work for a place that makes a difference every day. United Way of Central Alabama is hiring.
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