Charmed by Ginny

Ginny Mohrbuttter takes on world

Ginny Mohrbutter’s enthusiasm is contagious. Whether it’s about outdoor sports, animals or serving her community, that enthusiasm is there, and it’s refreshing and real.

Mohrbutter, the executive director of the United Way Tar River Region, has the kind of personality that rubs off on those around her, making them want to take their success — and that of others — to a higher level. With a spirited and compassionate leader looking out for its best interests, the whole community benefits from Mohrbutter’s dedication.

A Wordly View

Mohrbutter, a resident of Tarboro, grew up in Oak City in Martin County. With an inclination for philanthropy, she organized community service projects through high school leadership. From there, she attended the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, where she studied speech communication and provided volunteerism through her sorority. She soon had the opportunity to pursue graduate studies in education at the University of Guam.

“That was one of my first real adventures,” she says. “Traveling and experiencing different cultures helped shape who I am quite a bit.”

Those travels led her to Canada, where she was introduced to her husband, Trent. Mohrbutter’s career in service and nonprofit organizations began in Vancouver, where she was named executive director of the Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia. What began there has turned in to a decade-long career with charitable organizations.

“She has the poise, passion and genuine enthusiasm for leading an organization whose sole mission is to help others,” says Darrell Holland, chairman of the United Way’s Board of Directors. “She has great organizational skills, a personality that shines around anyone and a commitment to improving the organization, and thus the community.”

As her career was shaping, Mohrbutter started missing North Carolina.

Memories and family ties pulled her back in 2002, when she and her husband moved back. Mohrbutter took a position with the Mental Health Association and became executive director of the Tar River Mental Health Association.

The niche she’s found in the Twin Counties has had not only a positive impact on her, but also the people who receive assistance in some way through the United Way.

“At the end of the day, I get to see how we can make a difference in the lives of people in the community,” she says. “I’ve always had a passion to help people who had a disability or needed a helping hand. Every day, I get to see the result of what we do. That is a huge motivator.”

For Mohrbutter, that opportunity can come daily. There is no typical day in her office; she takes what comes. There might be a meeting with representatives from other community agencies to talk about ways to improve community life. There are always fundraising activities to plan and organize, and there may be a phone call from someone looking for shelter for the evening or financial service.

Mohrbutter’s personality pushes her to be a giver and a doer. She loves to see plans move forward and become results.

“The people who are being helped — it becomes tangible when you see it in action,” she says.

Working with the community, the United Way gets key recommendations about community needs, and when those recommendations turn into action, it is reward enough for Mohrbutter.

Outside the office, Mohrbutter and her husband, a local high school administrator, are avid outdoor sports fans. Kayaking, golfing and skiing are some favorites, and they enjoy traveling around the world.

“I’m fairly adventurous,” she says.

The trip to Guam inspired a love for nature, and she connected with a group of Canadians, whom she later went to visit. After meeting her husband, the two embarked on one adventure after another. The two also care for pets, another passion of Mohrbutter’s.

“I’m an animal lover,” she says. “I’ve always had an affinity for them.”

That caring characteristic and her world experience add to Mohrbutter’s expertise in her field. She’s seen many people and places in her life and feels right at home where she is.