The United Way of Gaston County appoints new leadership.

The United Way of Gaston County has appointed Andrea C. Stephens to serve as president and executive director. She assumed the position on August 1st and will be responsible for leading the United Way’s efforts to support organizations that are on the frontlines of helping the vulnerable members of the community.

For the past 17 years, she has worked for Gaston County Schools as the executive assistant to the superintendent. Stephens is a member of the Gaston Business Association, Professional Women’s Association, Gaston Literacy Council and The Salvation Army’s Advisory Board. She also served as president and sustaining member of the Junior League of Gaston County, was a member of the Civic Leadership Engagement inaugural group in 2017 and completed the NextGen Leadership Program. Stephens is a member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Gastonia and serves as the church’s finance committee chairman.

According to Stephens, “I have a servant’s heart and am very excited about my work as the United Way’s president and executive director.” She continued, “I am so grateful for this leadership opportunity and to seeing what can be accomplished with our entire community working together.”

A graduate of North Carolina State University, she resides in Gastonia with her husband, Tremayne. Their daughter, Ashlynn, is a 2022 graduate of Highland School of Technology and a rising freshman at Oglethorpe University.

Steve Burr, United Way Board of Directors’ chairman, stated, “The Board of Directors is pleased to join me in introducing Andrea Stephens to this position. We are confident that her leadership and experience will take the United Way to the next level.

The United Way of Gaston County was established in 1972 to help support and fill gaps in human services through collaboration among nonprofits, area businesses and the public. For additional information, contact the United Way of Gaston County, 704-864-4554 or visit www.Unitedwaygaston.org.