Cindy Robinett is the 2022 United Way Campaign Chair, mother of three, and a partner at Sterling Seacrest Pritchard.
Born and raised in Savannah, she attended Calvary Day School as a child, then went on to attend the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, where she earned a degree in risk management and insurance.
Robinett first learned about United Way when she first started her career in Atlanta, and has partnered with them since she started with Seacrest Partners.
“I have been involved with the United Way, either as a committee member, board member or in some capacity, probably for about 16 years,” said Robinett “ We’ve always been a big contributor to the United Way.”
She has been in insurance for over 30 years, going directly to the insurance industry right out of college, and working in different capacities. She started as a founding partner of Seacrest Partners after her former firm was purchased by a banking organization. A group that worked at her former firm decided they wanted to start their own privately owned firm. The firm is now named Sterling Secreast Pritchard, after several years and mergers.
“Sterling Seacrest Pritchard is an insurance brokerage and consulting organization and is one of the top 100 of all insurance brokers and agents. I want to say we’re in the top 25 of property held, one of the largest insurance brokers in the southeast. We started about 16 years ago, and now we’re up to about 300 people and have offices throughout the southeast,” said Robinett.
Locally, she is on the Board of Trustees at Savannah Christian Preparatory School and is a member of the Isle of Hope Methodist Church. These local ties and her connection to Savannah and her love for the people in Savannah, have led her to her work with United Way.
“For me, I have witnessed what difference they can make in our community, and how they’re able to help so many people through their 211 service, which connects people to the resources of a variety of nonprofit agencies. And then also, the fact that they carefully evaluate the nonprofit agencies that they fund and make sure that they are moving the needle and making a difference. So you feel like your money is really going to a great cause, and being used,” said Robinett.
The mission of United Way is something that Robinett believes in and holds dear to her heart. She is passionate about her position and passionate about helping people through that position.
“Our mission is improving lives through the caring power of the community. It takes every one of us working together to make a difference in our community because some people are able to give and contribute in different ways. Whether it’s financially being a donor, or simply volunteering with the United Way, there are a lot of different ways that people can work together, depending on their abilities to help other people. And then there are certainly those times where people need help,” said Robinett.
As the 2022 United Way Campaign Chair, Robinett has a full plate; however, she has plenty of help from others in the nonprofit organization. In previous years she held the position of Vice Chair of Campaign with Cecilia Russo, and before that she was on the Executive Board of Directors for United Way.
“The purpose of the campaign chair is to raise money for our community fund. The community fund is the vehicle that drives all of our work, including the proceeds from the community fund, which goes to fund the 50 Plus nonprofit agencies, as well as our 211 Call Center and county service centers. My job is to lead that effort,” said Robinett. “I have a full campaign cabinet that works with me, and goes after different business segments, calling on organizations to do employee campaigns, or to offer a corporate donation, or to sponsor one of our many events. All of that is to raise money for the community.”
While the United Way and Insurance are large and important aspects of her life, she also makes time for activities and hobbies outside of work. She is also on the Emeritus Board of the Terry College of Business, at the University of Georgia.
“When I’m not doing insurance or the campaign, I love to cook. I am not a professional chef or anything by all means, but I have written my own cookbook. I also love snow skiing, and just being out on the water under the boat, and reading books,” said Robinett.
The United Way has been a large part of her life. She wants everyone to understand that not only is the United Way helping people, it’s also helping the community.
“You never know when you’re going to need help from the United Way or when someone you know might need help. It’s a big part of our community and defines our community,” said Robinett.
