Blakely Roof
President & CEO
blakely@unitedwayhorry.org
Blakely has been leading United Way of Horry County since 2019, bringing her passion for community building to everything we do. A Clemson grad who moved to Myrtle Beach from Tennessee in 2006, she’s worked her way through some of the area’s most impactful organizations—from the Myrtle Beach Chamber and Conway Medical Center to Habitat for Humanity. She’s a natural connector who believes in the power of collaboration, serving on boards like Conway Chamber of Commerce and Tidelands Health’s Community Engagement Committee. Blakely was also President of Chicora Rotary and has participated in leadership programs across the region.
When she’s not cheering on her Clemson Tigers and Tennessee Volunteers, you’ll find Blakely spending time with her husband Barry and their two kids, Reed and Callie.
Katie Wise
Director of Community Impact
katie@unitedwayhorry.org
Katie joined our team in 2019 after three years at Habitat for Humanity of Horry County. Originally from Pennsylvania, she’s a Coastal Carolina University grad with a degree in Public Health and a heart for service that started during her college volunteer work in Horry County and Washington D.C.
A proud alumna of Leadership Grand Strand, Katie now serves on their Board of Regents and stays active with the Grand Strand Young Professionals. She’s passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives through community partnerships and strategic impact.
When she’s not working to strengthen our community, Katie loves traveling the world, cheering on her Philadelphia Eagles, and spending time with her husband, daughter Aubrey, and extended family.
Richard Williams, Jr.
Director of Education
richard@unitedwayhorry.org
Richard brought his passion for education and community leadership to United Way in 2023. A Conway native who graduated from the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, he studied Vocal Performance at Johns Hopkins’ Peabody Conservatory before returning home to serve his community.
As Senior Pastor of Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church since 2019, Richard has a vision for building bridges between faith and community action. He’s also a Waccamaw American Leadership Forum graduate and serves on the YMCA Conway Advisory Board.
Richard has traveled the world on mission trips but is happiest at home in Conway with his wife Meghan and their three children: Caleb Richard, Jenna-Grace, and Johnson Parker.
Mandy Hardwick
Finance Manager
mandy@unitedwayhorry.org
Mandy brings over 20 years of finance and HR experience to our team, joining us in 2022. An Aynor native and Coastal Carolina grad, she earned her MBA from Webster University and has deep roots in our community through her decade of work with Horry County Schools.
With her sharp financial expertise and local knowledge, Mandy keeps our operations running smoothly so we can focus on making an impact. When she’s not managing the numbers, you’ll find her reading a good book, out on the water boating, or spending quality time with her family.
Whitney Isley, MBA
Director of Philanthropy
whitney@unitedwayhorry.org
Whitney is a fourth-generation Myrtle Beach native who joined our team in 2024. After earning her degrees in Anthropology and her MBA from The College of Charleston, she served two years in the Peace Corps in Ghana, West Africa—an experience that deepened her commitment to service.
With experience in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Whitney is thrilled to combine her professional skills with her love for her hometown community. She’s a Leadership Grand Strand graduate and active member of the Junior League of the Grand Strand.
When she’s not building partnerships with donors, you’ll find Whitney gardening, cooking, traveling, or spending time with her dogs, friends, and family.
Kissie Melvin
Community Resource Coordinator
kissie@unitedwayhorry.org
With a human services degree from Horry Georgetown Technical College and three years at Waccamaw EOC, Kissie understands the challenges our neighbors face. Her personal journey through loss has strengthened her commitment to advocacy, particularly around gun violence prevention, and her faith guides everything she does.
As a praise and worship leader at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Kissie believes in the power of hope and transformation. Her mission is simple: help others find their way through life’s challenges and discover their own strength.
Shane Merrill
Crisis Intervention Community Resource Coordinator
shane@unitedwayhorry.org
Shane founded The Faith Connection, a collaborative of faith-based organizations bridging community services with local needs. He also serves on the Pee Dee ReEntry Council and volunteers as a chaplain at the J Reuben Long Detention Facility, earning recognition including the “Pastor of the Month” award and Conway Police Chief’s Award for Excellence.
His approach combines practical support with spiritual guidance, meeting people exactly where they are and helping them find hope for tomorrow.
Nelvina Jones
Reintegration Support Community Resource Coordinator
nelvina@unitedwayhorry.org
After relocating from the Washington, D.C. area to Conway with her husband Paris of 34 years and their dog Duke, Nelvina joined the team at UWHC in early 2025. She graduated cum laude from Horry Georgetown Technical College with a degree in human services and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
For three years at Waccamaw Economic Opportunity Council, Nelvina supported individuals and families through the LIHEAP and CSBG programs, bringing hope and encouragement to those facing tough times. Her genuine belief that better days are possible shines through in everything she does.
Nelvina starts each day grateful for life’s simple blessings and is passionate about helping others discover their own resilience and potential for a brighter future.
Nicole Mayer
Administration & Donor Coordination
nicole@unitedwayhorry.org
Nicole is our newest addition, joining the team in April 2025. Originally from South Dakota, she made her way to South Carolina from Oregon four years ago and has quickly fallen in love with our community. With a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Northern State University, Nicole brings a deep understanding of social systems and a genuine commitment to helping others.
She’s found her calling in supporting meaningful change through our donor partnerships and administrative work. Nicole is energized by being part of an organization that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
When she’s not coordinating with donors or managing office operations, Nicole enjoys spending time with her son and her three dogs, who definitely keep life interesting and full of laughter.
Chloe Gray
Director of Communications & Brand
marketing@unitedwayhorry.org
Chloe brings her brand development expertise to United Way from North Carolina, where she works as a freelance and contract marketer. With experience launching brands from concept to international markets—spanning everything from women’s wear to Olympic athletes—she knows how to tell compelling stories that connect with people.
Originally planning to become a therapist with her B.S. in Sociology, Chloe discovered her true calling in helping others achieve their dreams and goals. There’s nothing she loves more than brainstorming ideas, watching them evolve, and celebrating when they succeed.
Deeply connected to her communities in Wilmington and Charlotte, Chloe has volunteered extensively with organizations focused on childhood food insecurity and women’s health advocacy. She’s someone who genuinely believes in the power of community action to create lasting change.
When she’s not developing brand identities and visual storytelling, you’ll find Chloe hosting dinner parties for friends, tackling hiking trails, or planning her next adrenaline-fueled adventure—all while being completely obsessed with every dog she meets.
