The first time that I met Tywana German was at her first United Way cabinet meeting when she arrived in Suffolk several years ago. I was new to the Cabinet and still learning about the operations of The United Way.

After serving on the Cabinet and the Community Funding Panel, I saw more and more of what our director dealt with on a day-to-day basis. I saw the extent to which she interacted with the various agencies, as well as the management of the United Way of South Hampton Roads.

I saw Tywana spend endless hours trying to help a family looking for shelter. I saw her and her staff working tirelessly during the aftermath of the recent tornado.

Tywana has a tremendous calling to help others. She doesn’t hold this position just for the pay. She does this work because it serves as a means by which she can help others. We have been very fortunate to have her in Suffolk heading up our United Way office. For most people, it is not easy to constantly be asking for donations. For Tywana, it is merely a means to an end.

For those of us who know her, we wish Tywana, Les, Elizabeth and Ben the best for their future. What she leaves behind is a successful tenure here in Suffolk, and some huge shoes to fill.