Apparently, you can take Scott Pittillo away from football, but you can’t get the game out of his head.
Pittillo, a former White Hall High School all-state quarterback, concluded his reign as the United Way of Southeast Arkansas’ 2011 fall campaign chair Wednesday in much the same fashion as he conducted it – by comparing the fundraising crusade to the sport.
After reviewing his season at the helm during the United Way’s 65th annual meeting, Pittillo joined outgoing President Marty Casteel in handing off responsibilities to their respective 2012-13 successors – Carla Martin and Janice Acosta.
Pittillo told his Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center audience that he’s come to realize that one could easily view the agency’s fresh start as closely akin to the University of Arkansas’ promising 2012 football team under new coach John L. Smith.
Pittillo said that like the Razorbacks, the local United Way team is talented, proven and dedicated, and requires little from its incoming leader beyond making sure to “get everyone on the bus.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
After a slow start, the 2011 campaign overcame challenges from a sluggish economy to exceed its $1.275 million goal with a final reading of $1.28 million. The effort included a record 533 donors becoming “pillar” contributors with gifts of $500 or more.
Casteel said he’s “proud” to have had the opportunity “to see the community step up and meet” and eliminate those obstacles while “continuing our legacy as one of the most successful United Way organizations in Arkansas.”
He praised the efforts of Pittillo, 2011-12 Allocations Chair Joe Blanks III and supporting campaign leaders, along with United Way Director Jim Caldwell and his staff.
“The work done by the United Way and the 26 United Way partner agencies makes our community a better place for all of our citizens,” Casteel said.
Other new officers include President-elect Dewayne Pierce, Secretary Rev. HO. Gray, Communications Chair Stephen Lasseigne, Allocations Chair Mike Carraway and Treasurer Al Lowery. Joining the agency’s board of directors are Mary Benjamin, Carraway, Joe Dempsey, Gray, Donald Hatchett, Dan Hoggard, Larry Kennedy, Joel McVey, Lester Melton, Kaleybra Morehead and William Royals.
Continuing as board members are Acosta, Jim Bacon, Julie Bridgforth, Stephen Brown, Casteel, Patrick Colclasure, Jimmy Dill, Lee Hardman, Chris Hart, Janet Hartz, Mike Holcomb, Craig Lichty, Lowery, Martin, Larry May, Pierce and Rebecca Pittillo.
In her remarks, Acosta said the local United Way’s record of success wouldn’t be “possible without our volunteers.”