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With a smile on her face and a tip jar in her hand, Brenda Sellers is poised to lead United Way.

Sellers took on the role of board chair for United Way of Blount County early when Dr. Bill Seymour stepped down on Oct. 31 to focus on moving to Jackson to become president of Lambuth University.

Sellers was set to take the reigns of United Way's board of directors at the organization's annual meeting in January, but with Seymour's departure, she stepped into the role almost three months early.

A strong advocate for United Way, Sellers' go-getter attitude is present in everything she does for the organization.

Sellers volunteered for United Way Gas Day on Oct. 23, single-handedly raising $354.63 in tips in a little over two hours by washing windshields, pumping gas, cleaning tires with tire shine and handing out chocolate candy kisses.

In preparation for her board chair role, Sellers had spent the past year meeting with every agency that has programs funded by United Way of Blount County.

What are Sellers' plans, hopes and goals as chair of the United Way board of directors?

"It's simple," Sellers said. "It's not about the number or exceeding the (campaign) goal. To me, it's more about the agencies' mission of helping others in need, especially during a struggling economy while at the same time trying to teach being self-sufficient."

United Way of Blount County supports programs that address health, education, and self-sufficiency. For more information or to give to United Way, please visit liveunitedblount.org or call 865-982-2251.