Our Team

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.

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MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

“Abi” (they/them) joined Burke County United Way in early 2019, bringing more than a decade of experience in marketing, communications, content creation, video production, and project management. They hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Motion Picture and Television Production from Western Carolina University.

As Marketing & Communications Director, Abi enjoys creative problem-solving and using storytelling to connect people with their community. They are inspired by Burke County United Way's vision of building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Beyond United Way, they are the founder of Morganton Improv, a comedy troupe that provides entertainment and team-building experiences throughout Western North Carolina. Abi also serves as an adjunct instructor in the Audio & Video Production department at Western Piedmont Community College.

Outside of the office, Abi is a poet, visual artist, and the vocalist and lyricist for an Asheville-based punk band. They enjoy cooking, theatre, and watching films ranging from cinematic masterpieces to spectacularly terrible B-movies. They also share their home with two delightfully chaotic cats, Ziggy and Frida.

abigail.taylor@bcuw.org

FINANCE MANAGER

Charles Conley served BCUW as Manager of Operations from November 2012 until his retirement June 2021. He returned to serve as Office Manager in October 2021. He calls himself "semi-retired."

Starting in 2012 under Board President Scott Mulwee and Executive Director (ED) Wendy Cato, Charles brought with him 32 years of experience in mortgage lending, 17 years as a business owner of Conley Mortgage, and 12 years combined as a Board Member, Treasurer, Budget & Allocations Chairman and Campaign Cabinet Member for BCUW. Charles has served as the unofficial BCUW historian for 3 ED’s. Charles earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. He is currently serving on the loan committee of Valdese Economic Development Investment Corp.

Charles has been a Morganton resident the majority of his life. He is proud to be a resident of such a wonderful place to live. He enjoys hiking in the Linville Gorge, yoga and has become the local "go-to" pet sitter.

charlesconley@bcuw.org

FINANCIAL COACH & RESOURCE COORDINATOR, NACCC Certified Financial Counselor™

Financial Empowerment Program

Keith joined the Burke County United Way in January 2023 as a Financial Coach with the agency's Financial Empowerment Center. Keith has 25 years of experience in higher education, having retired from Western Piedmont Community College where he served in Student Services. He also was employed in the insurance services business for eight years. Keith is a Certified Financial Counselor and received a Bachelor’s degree from Pembroke State University.

Keith resides in Morganton, with his wife Sondra. They are the parents of two adult daughters, Arielle and Ariana. Keith and Sondra are active members of New Day Christian Church. During his leisure time, Keith enjoys reading, sports, and spending quality time with family and friends.

keith.conley@bcuw.org

FINANCIAL COACH & RESOURCE COORDINATOR, NACCC Certified Financial Counselor™

Financial Empowerment Program

Suzanne is the newest member of Burke County United Way, joining the team in March 2026. A Certified Financial Counselor, Suzanne serves as a Financial Coach and Resource Coordinator with the Financial Empowerment Center. Suzanne retired from Burke County Public Schools, where she worked as a school counselor at Burke Middle College. Certified in Family Centered Treatment, Suzanne has worked extensively with families dealing with trauma and crises, with a focus on strengthening and empowering them to become healthier and more resilient. Whether working with youth, adults, or families, Suzanne has a heart for helping others uncover the best versions of themselves. As a financial coach, she is passionate about helping individuals take control of their finances and ultimately their futures.

A graduate of NC State and Appalachian State University, Suzanne enjoys pulling for the Wolfpack. She resides in Morganton with her husband Mark, and they have 5 adult children, who are constant sources of pride and joy. In her free time, Suzanne enjoys  boating, painting, pickleball, and spending time with family and friends.

suzanne.johnson@bcuw.org