2nd Quarter Community Highlight: Andrea Williams Leads United Way in Providing Key Resources to Ross County
Andrea Williams, President and CEO of United Way of Ross County, is an active partner in the Partners for a Healthier Ross County coalition, which guides the county’s collective efforts to improve public health. As part of this coalition, Andrea contributes data from the United Way’s 2-1-1 resource—helping our team and other partners identify community needs and monitor progress on health and social service access. Her commitment supports targeted interventions for issues like health disparities, food insecurity, mental health, and support for family caregivers.
Andrea has been instrumental in implementing the food rescue pilot project in partnership with Ross County Health District’s (RCHD) Creating Healthy Communities (CHC) Coordinator Jordan George, Community Health Worker Sage Fout, Unidine Corporation, Adena Regional Medical Center, and Good Samaritan Food Bank to help combat food waste in Ross County. Andrea and Jordan have also collaborated with other local partner organizations to regenerate the Ross County Food Network, a group created to identify food waste and how to best distribute it back into the community.
Andrea has also expanded efforts to promote the United Way powered 2-1-1 resource, a free and confidential service that connects residents to local essential community services 24/7. Key services provided by 2-1-1 include information for local food pantries, housing and utilities assistance, health services, crisis intervention, disaster support, transportation, and more.
Q. How did you become involved with United Way of Ross County?
A. My initial involvement with United Way began during the interview process for my current role. My work in Ross County, which led me to apply for the role, began over 20 years agon in non-profits working and partnering with organizations within the community. Eight years with the Alzheimer’s Association covering 17 counties and Ross being one of those counties led to many relationships and admiration of the work of non-profits in this community. I still feel inspired and grateful for this community, the leadership, partnerships and projects we all provide.
Q. How long have you been in your role as President/CEO?
A. I started in April 2024, and my time in this role has been both exciting and transformative. Leading through a period of transition has required adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to evolve alongside the organization. It has truly been a journey of growth—for both me and United Way.
Q. What inspires you to give back our local communities?
A. I grew up in Vinton County and watched my parents as well as many other people volunteer and give back to the community. I started volunteering early in life, coached softball as a college student and have simply lived life with intention of supporting projects that uplift the community.
Q. How does 2-1-1 connect Ross County residents to local resources?
A. 211 is the federally designated 3-digit dialing code for social and human services that confidentially connects people to locally available resources. 211 is free and accessible 24/7 in over 180 languages via phone, text, and online. Trained 211 Community Resource Specialists listen, identify problems and underlying root causes, and connect people to local support to improve their lives. The 211 Network is supported by United Way Worldwide and operates approximately 200 call centers nationwide. Eighty percent of these centers are operated or partially supported by local United Way organizations and state associations.
Q. Can you describe your work with the Ross County Food Network?
A. With the collective brain power and good intentions of many, when SNAP benefits were at risk back in the fall we “dusted off” what used to be the Hunger Coalition which had been led by United Way in the past. We talked with Mid-Ohio Food Collective and worked with them to bring organizations together who are addressing food insecurity in our community. Through this initial meeting we began meeting virtually, and regularly with the support of long-time friend Jody Walker of JFS keeping us informed on the status of government program SNAP. In my leadership role with United Way we are proud to be instrumental with the Food Network.
Q. How did United Way become involved with the food rescue pilot project?
A. United Way became involved through our ongoing work with community partners who were already seeing the need to reduce food waste and increase access to fresh, nutritious food. As conversations grew within the Hunger Coalition and across local agencies, it became clear that United Way could help coordinate efforts, bring partners together, and support a pilot that tests what food rescue could look like in Ross County.
Q. How do you envision United Way shaping the future of food insecurity in Ross County communities?
A. United Way will continue to bring partners together, identify gaps, and direct resources where they’re needed most. By supporting local pantries, expanding fresh food access, and improving communication across agencies, we can make the food support network more efficient and more responsive. Our goal is to move from crisis‑driven assistance to long‑term stability for families.
Q. What goals do you have for United Way through the food rescue pilot project?
A. Our goal is to bring partners together—businesses, nonprofits, volunteers, and community members—to reduce food waste and increase food access. By working collaboratively, we can ensure rescued food reaches diverse populations across the county and supports the organizations already doing incredible work.
Q. What is the biggest challenge of directing United Way?
A. Our most significant challenge is meeting the growing needs of our community and advancing our program goals with a staff of only two full‑time and one part‑time team member.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working with United Way?
A. I love being part of a mission that lifts up both people and organizations. Supporting our community partners, engaging with individuals from so many different backgrounds, and watching our collective impact grow—those are the moments that remind me why this work matters.
Q. What message do you have for the community to get involved to help fight food insecurities?
A. Every act of support—big or small—helps ensure our neighbors have access to the food they need. Whether you volunteer, donate, host a drive, or simply share information, you become part of a community‑wide effort to make sure no family goes hungry. When we work together, we create real, lasting change.
Do you know someone who is going above and beyond to make a difference for public health in our communities?
Nominate them for Ross County Health District’s Community Highlight!
To submit a nomination, visit www.rosscountyhealth.org/community-highlight