United Way 'jewel' finds new place to shine

Simply Sleight/Kari Sleight

One of the best benefits my position brings is the opportunity to meet so many intelligent and caring people in this great community - people from all walks of life and from a variety of businesses and professional organizations.

Often, initial casual or professional meetings develop into special friendships that go far beyond the original reason our paths intersected; these are my jewels, my treasures I collect along the way. I treat them as I would a precious family heirloom, tucked carefully in a corner of my heart.

Unfortunately, changes in life circumstances happen and, as in many relationships, we must deal with the effect that change has on the relationship.

It's with mixed emotion that I say farewell to Sammye Pokryfki, United Way of Mat-Su's vibrant executive director. Sammye is leaving her post to take a position with the Rasmuson Foundation, in Anchorage, on March 1. While Sammye has no plans to leave our community, her everyday stewardship of the organization and leadership in Mat-Su will unquestionably be missed.

During her tenure at United Way, Sammye deftly guided a sometimes-befuddled board through many changes passed down from United Way of America.

She established herself as a bona-fide leader in the community and gained the well-deserved respect of the member agencies associated with United Way, and other organizations throughout the Mat-Su community.

Sammye has consistently been an intense advocate for the Mat-Su Valley and fought fiercely to ensure this community was given the respect it rightfully deserves, and that we were well represented at state and national levels.

She gave generously to this community, both in time and financial commitments. It was her drive and dedication that brought the first ice hockey tournament to the newly opened Multi-Use Sports Center last year, and she expertly resuscitated the Big Lake Triathlon a couple of years ago.

Sammye took to heart United Way of Mat-Su's mission statement, "To develop community pride and promote a greater sense of self-reliance through the organized efforts to care for our neighbors." and is the ideal model of the organization's values of integrity, stewardship, respect, strengthening and leadership.

Knowing Sammye's dedication to Mat-Su and her personal values, she will undoubtedly continue to be a passionate proponent of this community. Her new position with the Rasmuson Foundation will position her well to positively affect the state, while continuing to promote the Valley.

Congratulations, my friend, on your new position. I wish you well and will miss you popping by to sign checks or simply chat awhile. I know this isn't good-bye, and we'll still see you around the Valley, but your daily presence will be missed. You have left a rich legacy to United Way, and you've positioned the organization to fare well in the future. For this, and the many, many positive contributions you have made to this community, I thank you.

Most of all, though, I thank you for being one of my gems.