Family Calls; United Way Director Resigns

(Linda Lugar is a former teacher at both Oceana High School and Oceana Middle School. Elizabeth is a 1980 OHS graduate and Matt is a 1985 graduate.)

After five years as executive director of the United Way of Southern West Virginia, Linda Lugar has decided to step down in order to move closer to her family in New England.

The decision was difficult for Lugar. With her vivacious personality, and a passion for community service, she is well known among business owners and community leaders throughout the region.

During her tenure as executive director, the United Way met each of its annual fundraising goals and provided essential support to dozens of community service agencies in Raleigh, Fayette and Nicholas Counties.

But, on a personal level, Lugar is concerned she is missing precious time with her son, Matthew, his wife, Sandra, and especially her grandson, Henry, who is 19 months old.

"I spent a lot of time in Connecticut with them (her son's family), and I decided this is the time in my life when I want to be near my son and my grandson, who is adorable," Lugar said. "But it is bittersweet. I love Beckley and I love my job."

Stepping down as director will also give Lugar more time to visit her daughter, Elizabeth, who lives in Tuscany, Italy.

Lugar's family has always been involved in community service efforts, going back to her grandparents, she said.

"Community service has always been something I wanted to do," she said. "It has been great to witness the generosity of the people of southern West Virginia. Whether they give $1 or $1,000, it's great to witness. It's very rewarding and it's made a difference in my life."

Lugar explained that each year the United Way relies on the community to donate the $325,000 needed to support thousands of services to those in need. And each year, the community has met that goal.

As executive director, Lugar has always accepted personal responsibility for raising the funds needed by the many agencies counting on the United Way for support.

"In my mind, as executive director, it is my responsibility to raise $325,000," she said. "In order to do that, you have to have a lot of help from a lot of people, have a lot of contacts, and you have to be willing to work outside the normal work day."

And while the job is rewarding, it is also stressful, Lugar said.

"It's a wonderful job, and I've loved every minute of it. It's very fulfilling, but also very stressful because in the back of my mind I am always worrying about what happens if we don't make our goal. And if we don't, who will have to go without services?"

Lugar said several well- qualified candidates have applied for the director position she will leave open this summer. Once selected, the new director will take over on July 1. Lugar plans to introduce her replacement to many important friends and contacts within the community.

"It's not a part-time job and it's not a nine-to-five job," Lugar said of the position. "It's a lot of evenings and a lot of events. The director needs to be out there and identified in the community as the director of the United Way so people will see us as a hard-working group that is bringing resources together to improve the lives of those in need."

As Lugar prepares to depart her prominent role in the community, she takes with her a sense of pride in the accomplishments of the organization she has led for five years.

"Maybe, maybe I have been able to make a difference in somebody's life in southern West Virginia, and I think that's what we all want to feel — that we've made a contribution."