For general inquiries, email liveunited@UnitedWayChampaign.org
Staff photos by T.Stagg Photography
President & CEO
Sue Grey
Sue Grey, President & CEO of United Way of Champaign County since June 2006, has been dedicated to driving impactful change and improving lives in her community. With over 38 years of experience, her passion is rooted in bringing people and resources together to create lasting change. Her career began at the Champaign Park District, where she developed expertise in organizing community events, managing volunteers, and collaborating with the Board of Commissioners. She also served as CEO of the Green Meadows Girl Scout Council, further expanding her leadership and community engagement skills.
As a lifelong resident of Champaign, Sue has fostered deep connections and is committed to mobilizing resources that enhance the quality of life for those in need. In addition to her professional work, she is actively involved in several community organizations, including the Executive Club of Champaign County, Chapter HI of PEO, Social Science Club, and Alpha Phi Alumnae. She also serves on the Board of Visitors for Applied Health Sciences at UIUC and is a proud participant in Leadership Illinois, Class of 2019. Her dedication to education and leadership extended to her service on the Champaign Unit 4 School Board from 2007 to 2013, where she served as Board President for two years.
Throughout her career, Sue has received numerous accolades, including the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Athena Award in 2005, Woman of Distinction recognition from the East Central Illinois Girl Scout Council in 2012, and Outstanding Alumni of Centennial High School in 2022 by the CU Schools Foundation. These honors reflect her unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and fostering a stronger, more connected community.
Sue believes in the power of collaboration and is driven by the incredible impact that can be achieved when people come together to support those in need. She remains committed to continuing this mission and making a positive difference in Champaign County.
Chief Impact Officer
Beverley Baker
Beverley works directly with issues and needs facing young children, their families and the community as a whole. She considers herself a problem solver and works with community partners, elected officials and concerned residents and volunteers to address some of the most challenging needs facing Champaign County. She has been a member of the United Way team since 2007.
Beverley is a summa cum laude graduate of St. Ambrose University with a degree in Elementary Education, with minors in Psychology and early childhood education and additional coursework in leadership and human resource management. Her professional experiences include 15 years as an early childhood educator and child care center Director, 17 years in grant management and a long history of working with community leaders, organizations, and business representatives on collaborative efforts in Champaign County, Illinois and previously in communities located in Iowa and Indiana.
Beverley has received a number of awards including Central Illinois Business Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Woman of Year, WILL’s Children’s Champion and Junior League’s Living Legendary Award. She is an active volunteer in the community and enjoys serving on a number of boards and committees. Bev and her husband Dan are the proud parents of 2 sons, Grant and Cameron. Together they enjoy sporting events and family vacations.
Manager of Community Impact Data & Operations
Carolyn Butterfield
Carolyn joined United Way of Champaign County in 2021. As Manager of Community Impact Data & Operations, she ensures that the grant application and report processes are smooth, accurate, and accessible through collaboration with community partners. Carolyn is the staff lead for the Bottom Line Diaper Bank program and the Ride United: Last Mile Delivery program. She is thrilled to be part of a team making a local impact.
Outside of United Way, Carolyn enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing tennis, quilting, and cooking.
Finance Assistant
Ayla Dew
Ayla Dew has been an active part of the community for over 20 years. After attending Parkland College, she earned her BS in Accounting from Harris-Stowe State University. Currently serving as a Finance Assistant at United Way, Ayla is leading the team for the Care Kits project, which provides essential items to people in need. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two nephews.
Director of Community Impact
Javaite Burton
Javaite joined United Way of Champaign County in 2021. As Director of Community Impact, she works to build and deepen relationships with nonprofits and government agencies serving people in the Champaign County community.
Javaite has served as the Elementary Services Coordinator at Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club and was a facilitator for the Champaign Area Relationship Education for Youth (CARE4U) program. She received her bachelor’s degree in Community Health from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Her personal and professional goal is to improve the health and overall well-being of families in her community. In 2023, Javaite was named as one of Central Illinois Business Magazine's Forty under 40. She is a graduate of the Emerging Community Leaders Program (ECL) Class of 2019. Javaite currently serves on the Board of Directors for Champaign-Urbana Kiwanis Club, Junior League of Champaign-Urbana, and is a Board Member for Sistering CU.
"My favorite thing about Champaign County is the passion and dedication people here have for making a difference in their community. I love that there are so many people and organizations who want to see our community thrive and are dedicated to doing the work. No matter the task our community strives to meet the needs of those who need us most. This community embodies the spirit of Live United."
Chief Development Officer
Becca Guyette, CFRE
Rebecca (Becca) Guyette joined United Way of Champaign County in 2013 as Director of Leadership Giving, overseeing the now $3 million annual Pillar giving program. In 2019, she became Chief Development Officer. In this role, Becca continues to oversee the Pillar program, Major Gifts, and United Way’s Resource Development division. In 2023, Becca led a successful $6 million endowment and current-funds campaign for United Way’s 100th anniversary.
As a Certified Fundraising Executive, she does ongoing training with local fundraising professionals, with specific emphasis on the development and sustainability of annual fund and major gift programs.
Prior to joining United Way, Becca worked for 10 years at the University of Illinois YMCA as Program and Development Director and led a capital funds drive to renovate the building. She received her MA in Communication from the University of Illinois.
In 2014 Becca was recognized as the Central Illinois Business Magazine Woman of the Year for her professional and community efforts. She is currently a board member of Clark Lindsey Village and a Trustee for the University of Illinois YMCA. She is the former Board President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals of East Central Illinois and a former Board member for Junior League of Champaign Urbana and Executive Club of Champaign County.
Director of Engagement
Emily Neal
Emily Neal joined the United Way team in December 2023 as the Director of Engagement. In this role, she connects supporters and volunteers with United Way’s mission and vision, strengthening the donor engagement experience. She manages the Women United affinity group, and is also staff lead for the annual Power of the Purse event.
Emily previously worked for the University of Illinois in student recruitment and employer relations, with a large focus on programming and campus outreach. She also has extensive strategic communications experience, with a journalism degree from the University of Minnesota.
Emily and her husband Derek have two children, Milo and Summer. They are very serious Fighting Illini fans who never miss a game.
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Anne Clark Skuse
Partnership is one of United Way's core values and is critically important to our mission. As the Director of Strategic Partnerships, Anne oversees our workplace giving campaigns and corporate relationships. If your business is looking to make a difference in Champaign County, please connect with Anne!
Anne has lived in the C-U area for almost 17 years after coming to Illinois as a graduate student of the University of Illinois School of Music. Anne is an ECL alumna and joined the United Way Team in Fall 2022 as a Resource Development Associate. Prior to joining United Way of Champaign County, Anne was on the leadership team for a successful, independently-owned venture for over a decade.
Anne lives in Champaign with her husband and son, and cherishes their time together enjoying the vibrant local music and arts scene. She is proud to continue nurturing connections and partnerships to work towards a better future for all.
Director of Marketing & Communications
Jennifer Newell
Jennifer Newell is the Director of Marketing and Communications at United Way of Champaign County, where she leads strategic marketing initiatives to drive community engagement and support for the organization's mission. In her role, she develops and implements comprehensive marketing strategies that align with the organization's goals. A proud townie, Jennifer values her deep roots in the community and is passionate about connecting local residents with the resources they need. Outside of her professional commitments, she loves spending quality time with her family, further enriching her connection to the community she serves.