Meet Albemarle Area United Way’s newest Board of Directors

Meet Albemarle Area United Way’s newest Board of Directors

Albemarle Area United Way is thrilled to announce their newest Board of Directors. Recently elected, they are making a difference by joining the ranks of other community leaders with the goal of helping people reach their full potential in the Albemarle Area.

Officially starting their terms on July 1, 2023 are the following three new Board of Directors: Dr. Keith Parker, Jamie Koch, and Deborah White. Wonderful people who will bring a diverse set of skills to Albemarle Area United Way. Please join us in congratulating & thanking them!

Dr. Keith Parker 

Dr. Keith Parker began his career in education as a social studies teacher at Southwest Edgecombe High School in Edgecombe County. He then served as the principal of Martin Millennium Academy, the largest K-8 global Spanish dual language immersion school in Eastern North Carolina. He also served as assistant superintendent in Dare County. He currently serves as superintendent for Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools.

Dr. Parker believes that the purpose of school is to prepare our young people with everything they will need to live a choice-driven life. To fully achieve this, he believes that we must work together to think creatively about how our public schools can transform to meet the needs of the twenty-first century learner. High educational outcomes for some students is no longer an option, we must have high educational outcomes for all students.

As an advocate for communities in Eastern North Carolina, Dr. Parker believes deeply that our greatest strength is our amazing people.

Jamie Koch

Jamie Koch the Executive Director of the Outer Banks Family YMCA. She was previously the Executive Director, Operations Director and Membership Director at the Albemarle Family YMCA. 

Jamie is a native North Carolinian and has worked with the YMCA of South Hampton Roads since 2007. She is a graduate of East Carolina University and took a winding road to the YMCA. She has worked for Nordstrom, College of The Albemarle, and the Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce and owned two small businesses In Elizabeth City. 

She has always had a passion for helping others and giving back to her community. Her involvement with organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, and the United Way led her from the for-profit world to the nonprofit world and she is so thankful it did. She loves working with other nonprofits and individuals that are like-minded that want to improve the quality of life in our community and she is looking forward to serving the Outer Banks. She is the proud mother of two daughters, Emma and Molly Holland. 

Deborah White

My name is Deborah White, I’m a Director of Patient Care Services at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center. I have been employed at the facility for 20 years July. I’m a Registered Nurse and have a passion for helping and advocating for people. I have served as Co-Chair (2021) and Chair (2022) for the United Way at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, fishing, and most importantly enjoying family time. 

Albemarle Area United Way is a not-for-profit organization fighting for the health, education, and financial stability of residents in the Albemarle area.  For more information on how you can give or to volunteer please call us at 252-333-1510, visit us online at aaunitedway.org or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.