The first ever United Way of Roanoke Valley’s recognition for its new Catalysts program on Monday included a message from Advance Auto CEO Darren Jackson, who talked about the need for teamwork and connectiveness. The Catalysts are a leadership group of under-40 volunteers and philanthropists, who in the first year of the program donated at least $250 each to the United Way.
The group was also involved over the past year in social events and projects like a warm coat drive last winter. The idea is that the Catalysts will lead others by example – via their checkbook and volunteer time.
Co-chair Gretchen Weinning, a Stellar One Banker, told her fellow Catalysts about the “need to be a good corporate citizen,” before Jackson took over at the Shenandoah Club podium.
“We’re trying to build the next generation of givers to United Way,” added Weinning, who is active in other local civic projects. The Catalysts raised over $56,000 in their first year. United Way CEO Frank Rogan told the group they were “needed more than ever … seize the opportunity.”
Jackson, the 44-year-old CEO of Advance Auto, is not based at the traditional corporate headquarters in Roanoke, but in Minnesota.
“I absolutely love it [here],” said Jackson, who ticked off a list of improvements being made at the Roanoke office.
He traced a career after Marquette University that led to residencies in nine places before being named Advance CEO in 2008. Jackson also talked about the need to overcome adversity and the “connectiveness,” he learned from his parents as a child. He praised the Catalysts group for their “willingness to give back,” also calling the United Way “a terrific example,” for others.
Jackson said, “leadership begins with looking inside – to see what it is you’re connected to.” The United Way of Roanoke Valley plans to find some of those new leaders via the Catalysts program, hoping the group spurs others to give their time and money as well.
By Gene Marrano [email protected]After all, said Jackson, “we’re here to leave the world a little better place.”