Our Team

MAUREEN "MO" SCHWIND

Executive Director

“Mo” has dedicated her life to strengthening Burke County, bringing over three decades of passionate community service to her role as Executive Director since 2019. Her journey with Burke County United Way spans an extraordinary 24 years of volunteer leadership before assuming the helm—a testament to her deep-rooted commitment to lifting up local families and fostering community resilience.

As a true community champion, Mo has served Burke County from every angle: shaping lives through 31 years of combined service in county government and Western Piedmont Community College, providing guidance on the Department of Social Services Advisory Board and DSS Adoption Committee, leading transformational initiatives as board chair and campaign coordinator, and mobilizing resources as a dedicated Rotarian and past club president. Most recently, she stepped forward as Interim Chair of the Burke Long-Term Recovery Group, guiding the community's coordinated response to Hurricane Helene's devastating impact. Her stewardship has earned recognition including the Governor's Volunteer Service Award, multiple Paul Harris Fellow honors, and the Chamber's 2025 Outstanding Woman Nonprofit Leader designation—accolades that reflect her unwavering dedication to community wellbeing.

“Mo” brings both heart and expertise to her mission, armed with degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill, Western Carolina University, and Appalachian State University, plus specialized training from Kansas State University. Under her leadership, Burke County United Way has become a beacon of hope for over 90,000 residents, particularly the 46% of households facing economic hardship.

Whether orchestrating disaster recovery efforts, facilitating nonprofit collaboration, championing childcare subsidies, financial empowerment programs, youth success programming, building bridges between 30+ partner agencies, or advocating for vulnerable children through adoption services, Mo exemplifies servant leadership—transforming compassion into coordinated action that strengthens families and builds a more resilient Burke County.

When not advocating for her community, she recharges through gardening, travel, and cherished moments with friends and family—experiences that deepen her understanding of what makes communities thrive.

executive.director@bcuw.org