United Way of Greenville County’s Board of Directors has elected four new community leaders to its Board of Directors for 2026, strengthening the organization’s leadership at a critical moment in its work to address housing instability, educational achievement and access to opportunity for all in Greenville County.
During its annual meeting in December, United Way’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the nominations of Dr. Caroline Caldwell, founder and director of New Mind Health and Care; Beth Paul, general manager of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena; Pastor Manuel Izquierdo, community leader and senior pastor of Jesús el Rey Church and Dr. Larry Miller, president of Greenville Technical College. Each will serve on United Way of Greenville County’s 40-member board.
“These leaders bring expertise that directly aligns with where our community, and United Way, is focused right now,” said Meghan Barp, president and CEO of United Way of Greenville County. “Their expertise, passion for service and strong commitment to improving lives will help us deepen our impact and accelerate progress toward long-term solutions. We are honored to welcome them to the board.”
United Way of Greenville County also approved the following Board Members Emeritus, recognizing decades of leadership and service:
- Judge Merl Code, retired professional football player, businessman, lawyer and judge, recognized as a champion for justice and equity
- Minor Shaw, president of Micco LLC, whose civic leader who has strengthened United Way and the broader community for decades
- Susan Shi, former Furman University first lady who has brought insight, compassion and a deep belief in the power of collective action to her decades of leadership strengthening the systems that support our community.
The Board of Directors will be led by its six-member Executive Committee, approved for a two-year term in 2024:
- Karen Baynes-Dunning, Baynes Dunning Consulting, Chair
- Adam Murphy, Michelin North America, Vice Chair
- Dr. Saria Saccocio, Essence Healthcare, Immediate Past Chair
- Julio Hernandez, Clemson University, Community Impact Committee Chair
- Jim Akerhielm, JENK, LLC, Treasurer and Finance, Technology and Audit Committee Chair
- David Lominack, TD Bank, Secretary
Director Bios
Dr. Caroline Caldwell is the founder and director of New Mind Health and Care, a nonprofit providing free mental health and behavioral modification services to individuals and families impacted by incarceration. A strong advocate for returning citizens, individuals experiencing homelessness and the LGBTQ+ community, Caldwell brings critical insight into behavioral health, reentry and workforce reintegration, key focus areas for United Way’s housing and stability initiatives.
Beth Paul brings more than 25 years of experience in arena and venue management to her role as general manager of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Paul’s expertise in large-scale operations, public-private partnerships and destination development strengthens United Way’s corporate engagement, fundraising and community visibility efforts. She also serves on the boards of VisitGreenvilleSC, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County and the Greenville Symphony Orchestra.
Pastor Manuel Izquierdo has served the Upstate for more than three decades through Live Well Chiropractic Clinic and as the founder and senior pastor of Jesús el Rey Church, a bilingual, international congregation established in 2005. A member of United Way’s Community Impact Committee, his leadership spans food security, newcomer support, youth development and faith-based collaboration. Izquierdo’s deep relationships within Greenville County’s Hispanic and immigrant communities support United Way’s commitment to inclusive engagement and culturally responsive solutions.
Dr. Larry Miller became the third president of Greenville Technical College in 2025 after previously serving as vice president of learning and workforce development. Miller’s expertise in workforce systems, education finance and employer alignment directly supports United Way’s focus on economic mobility and talent development. He serves on leadership boards including the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Greenville Chamber of Commerce, OnTrack Greenville and University Center Greenville.