United Way welcomes five community leaders to 2024 board of directors

Listen to this article

Five community leaders have been elected to serve new terms on United Way of Greenville County’s Board of Directors in 2024.

­

New directors include Bryan Brown, president and CEO of the Greenville Housing Fund; Bryant Davis, chief diversity officer for the City of Greenville; LaCheryl Coleman, head of schools for Legacy Early College; Stephen Edgerton, president and CEO of Coldwell Banker Caine; and Whitney Hanna, executive director of strategic communications and engagement with Greenville County Schools.

“We’re excited to welcome these talented community leaders to our board of directors,” said United Way of Greenville County President and CEO Meghan Barp. “Each of them brings a strong track record of leadership and community service. Their unique perspectives and shared passion for serving our community will be invaluable as we work together to build a Greenville County where all families have access to the opportunities to achieve their full potential.”

Bryan Brown

Bryan Brown is the President and CEO of the Greenville Housing Fund. He leads the organization’s efforts to champion the preservation and expansion of affordable housing options across Greenville through broad community engagement and advocacy for effective public policies. He also directs GHF investments in the new construction, acquisition, rehabilitation and preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing across Greenville with its many partners.  In addition, Bryan manages its land bank portfolio to preserve and develop affordable housing with an emphasis on equity and inclusion in historically minority neighborhoods.

Bryant Davis

Bryant Davis is the City of Greenville’s Chief Diversity Officer. Bryant joined the City in May of 2023 to support community efforts in the City’s Special Emphasis Neighborhoods, MWBE and supplier diversity efforts, and fostering an inclusive workplace climate for city employees. Bryant comes from Richland County Government where he worked in the Department of Government and Community Services supporting outreach and engagement efforts for County Departments, Administration, and County Council.

LaCheryl Smith Coleman

LaCheryl Smith Coleman, head of schools for Legacy Early College, is a national leader with a progressive career as an educator in tandem with 25 years of coaching in competitive high school and collegiate basketball programs.

Coleman began her education career in Greenville and Oconee counties at the elementary and middle school levels. In 2013, she joined the staff at the Legacy Early College High School as the Assistant Athletic Coach and the Parent Coordinator. During her time at Legacy, she has served as the College Success Coach and Dean of Early College. In 2018, Coleman became the principal of Legacy, producing the highest high school graduation rate in Greenville County Schools for the next four years.

Stephen Edgerton

Stephen Edgerton is president and CEO of The Caine Companies, a real estate brokerage and development company that includes Coldwell Banker Caine as well as a portfolio of real estate, property management, and insurance divisions.

As a past Chair of the Coldwell Banker Large Office Group, past Chairman of the Board for Metro Greenville YMCA, a current board member for Artisphere and and a long-time route volunteer with Meals on Wheels, Edgerton’s involvement and impact reaches far beyond the workplace. From his role as a leading real estate executive to his proven dedication to civic engagement, Edgerton’s work in and for Upstate communities continues to reflect his deep, personal commitment to the power of home.

Whitney Hanna

As Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement for Greenville County Schools, Whitney Hanna is responsible for internal and external communications on behalf of the 44th largest school district in the country. Hanna previously served as the District’s Coordinator of Community Collaboration and Institutional Advancement. She has represented the District on the OnTrack Greenville Steering Committee, the Network for Southern Economic Mobility’s Greenville leadership team, and the REEM Commission’s Education Committee.

Hanna currently serves as Secretary of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County’s Board of Directors and as a member of the Community Foundation’s Capacity Building Grants Committee. She previously served on the United Way of Greenville’s Strategic Investments & Grants Committee, the Upcountry History Museum Board of Directors, Duke Energy Regional Advisory Board, the Greenville Mentoring Collaborative Board of Directors, and the Junior League of Greenville’s Board of Directors as Vice President of Community Impact.

About United Way of Greenville County

United Way of Greenville County mobilizes people and resources to improve lives, strengthen the community and advance equity for the benefit of all. Join the movement for a stronger Greenville County at unitedwaygc.org.