United Way of Cecil County is guided by a passionate group of community leaders who are committed to strengthening the place we proudly call home. Through collaboration, experience, and a shared dedication to service, our board and leadership team work together to create meaningful impact and help build a stronger future for Cecil County.
Barbara Smith (Board President) – Barb serves as Chief of the Division of Community Partnerships for the Cecil County Department of Community Services. In addition to her leadership role within the county, she generously shares her knowledge, experience, and passion for community service with countless organizations that support individuals and families throughout our region. Her dedication to collaboration and strengthening local partnerships makes her an invaluable part of United Way of Cecil County.
Henry Farkas, M.D. (Board Treasurer) – Dr. Henry Farkas has been serving United Way of Cecil County since 1997 and brings decades of compassion, leadership, and community dedication to the organization. A retired ER physician, Dr. Farkas served at Union Hospital in Elkton for 33 years and was Cecil County’s primary hospice physician for over 20 years. He currently serves on the Board of the Union Hospital Foundation. Outside of his medical and community service work, Dr. Farkas is an avid foodie and local epicure, with more than 280 restaurant reviews shared on Google Maps.
Sam Kelly (Board Secretary) – Sam splits her time between sunny Florida and Elkton, MD, bringing warmth, creativity, and plenty of energy wherever she goes. A proud A.L.F. fan, Sam also brings extensive marketing and communications experience to the United Way of Cecil County Board of Directors. Her creativity and strong communication skills help strengthen community engagement and outreach efforts throughout the organization.
Tyler Simonds (Board Member at Large) – Tyler is a native of Cecil County and a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, he brings valuable financial expertise and leadership to the United Way of Cecil County Board of Directors. Tyler is passionate about helping local families and businesses work toward their financial goals while strengthening the community he proudly calls home.
John Thompson (Board Member at Large) – John brings great perspective, innovative ideas, and contagious energy to his role on the United Way of Cecil County Board of Directors. A resident of North East, MD, John has proudly called Cecil County home for over 16 years. He currently serves as Executive Director of Deep Roots in Earleville, MD, where he is deeply committed to strengthening the local community through compassion, leadership, and service. John’s knowledge, dedication, and heart for helping others make him a valuable asset to both UWCC and Cecil County as a whole..
Yvette Valentin (Executive Director) – Yvette has spent her career helping nonprofit organizations grow through strategic partnerships, grant funding, and community engagement. She is passionate about connecting community needs with meaningful solutions and is focused on bringing fresh energy and renewed purpose to the organization. Yvette is a lifelong Cecil County resident who is dedicated to strengthening the community she proudly calls home.
Helene Breza (Bookkeeping & Fianacial Operations Advisor) – Helene is the owner and operator of Eastern Shore Bookkeeping, LLC. She is a certified bookkeeper through Bookkeeper Business Launch and a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, bringing valuable financial knowledge and organizational expertise to the United Way of Cecil County Board of Directors. Helene offers a broad range of skills, insight, and support that contribute to the continued growth of the organization, and we are grateful to have her as part of the UWCC team.
We’re looking for passionate community members who want to help strengthen Cecil County
and make a meaningful local impact.