HATTIESBURG, MISS. – United Way of Southeast Mississippi (UWSEMS) is pleased to announce the addition of Amy Lyon as its new Director of Community Impact.
In her role as Director of Community Impact, Lyon will be an integral part of helping United Way continue to achieve long-lasting, meaningful community change and impact throughout Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Perry counties. Additionally, she is responsible for overseeing the process of funds distribution, funded agency support, community research and community collaboration.
Lyon was born and raised in Maryland and Pennsylvania. She has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Business Administration from Towson University and a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Shippensburg University. She moved to Hattiesburg in 2010 and worked with Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources (PBMHR) from 2011 to 2022. With PBMHR, Lyon was a substance abuse clinician and then the Program Coordinator for Supportive Services for Veteran Families, a federal grant that serves very low-income U.S. veteran households who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless in South Mississippi.
Lyon’s husband, Mickey, is a Hattiesburg native who serves full-time as a logistics officer in the Mississippi Army National Guard at Camp Shelby. They have 3 children: Emma Claire (17), Hadden (16) and Charlotte (2), as well as an 11-year-old dog, Wrigley, a rescue from Southern Pines Animal Shelter.
Lyon said she is excited to be a part of the United Way team.
"This community has so many valuable resources that impact lives in different and important ways. I've seen the positive ripple effect of individuals using these resources and how their lives and the lives of their families are totally enriched. I am grateful to continue to be a part of that impact through this new chapter with United Way."
Tracie Fowler, United Way CEO, said Lyon was ideal for the role because of her experience of being on the frontlines of the nonprofit sector.
“With her nonprofit background working with veterans facing homelessness and individuals with substance abuse issues, Amy understands the very real needs within our community and the important work that our partner agencies are doing to meet those needs,” said Fowler. “That knowledge and experience, combined with her desire to serve others, makes her more than equipped to fulfill this vital role at United Way of Southeast Mississippi.”