Charmed by Ginny

Ginny Mohrbuttter takes on world

By Spaine Stephens
Carolina Charm

Friday, April 17, 2009

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.

“I’ve had a lot of mentors in my life,” she says. “I’ve worked with people who influence me, and I strive to be better.”

A Positive Perspective

As an advocate for the advancement of people living with various backgrounds and abilities, Mohrbutter extends her talents to local boards and committees.

“I do a lot of things in the community through work,” she says. “I’m asked to be a part of a number of collaborations.”

Mohrbutter is also active in the Tarboro volunteer community, especially in the areas of arts and culture, including the Edgecombe County Symphony’s Board of Directors.

“There’s a thriving arts community in Tarboro and Edgecombe County,” she says. “I’ve embraced and enjoyed being a part of it.”

She is also active on committees at Calvary Episcopal Church.

Those activities help energize Mohrbutter to make an even bigger difference at work.

She follows the motto “Service Above Self” each day, and relies on it to keep her focus on what she wants to accomplish.

“That has steered me throughout my career,” she says.

And it has boosted the success of Mohrbutter’s life’s work. In 2008, the United Way Tar River Region accomplished the following tasks:

n Funded 41 health and human services programs in partnership with 2,214 local nonprofit agencies.

n Partnered with local law enforcement to receive a gang-prevention grant.

n Merged with Edgecombe County United Way, uniting the Twin Counties’ efforts under a new name and combined resources.

n Completed a Community Needs Assessment for the area.

n Helped establish a 24-hour phone and Web-based health and human services referral system.

ne_STnSSurpassed its $1.1 million fundraising goal.

n Helped facilitate a free dental clinic in Rocky Mount, serving more than 950 adults.

Holland says that the United Way’s success last year was no coincidence.

Thanks to Mohrbutter’s leadership, the past year has been tremendous.

“2008 has been the most dynamic year I can remember as a longtime board member,” Holland said. “The United Way saw an increase in donations, the addition of multiple community services, the merger of Nash and Edgecombe Counties’ United Ways (now known as the Tar River Region United Way) and the start of two major initiatives. Ginny is a true asset to our organization, and our community is blessed to have her working on its behalf.”

Brenda Lewis, a former United Way board chairwoman, said Mohrbutter’s unique qualities lend themselves to the benefit of others.

“She’s very insightful and resourceful,” says Lewis. “She looks for opportunities, and recognizes the need in the community. She’s very energetic, and I think that’s very important. And she’s an excellent leader.”

Mohrbutter is happy that her life’s work and passions have led her all over the world; but she’s content to have settled in the Twin Counties to try to make a difference each day.

“It’s about helping people have a better life,” she says.