Staff
Meet Our Team
Bill Blake
Executive Director
Bill is a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan College with a degree in Business Administration. He resides in Camden, NC. Prior to taking the helm of AAUW he served on numerous non-profit boards, volunteered abroad on mission trips and is very active in church, currently serving as a Pastor at McBride UMC in South Mills. He loves sports and outdoor activities as well as spending time with his six grandchildren.
Bill will be focused on “locals helping locals” as he works to strategically align the business community, donors and partner agencies across our 9-county region.
Contact Bill:
Suzann Schlichter
Coronavirus Assistance Coordinator
Suzann is living the retired life doing what she loves most; serving God and her neighbors. After following her husband, David, during his almost 30 year US Army career, they retired in peaceful Camden County. Suzann raises a backyard flock of chickens that she tends with her patient flock dog, Trooper. In addition to spending time outdoors with her birds, she loves spending time with her three adorable, active grandkids.
Suzann has been active in missions and ministry since the 1980’s. She attended Ohio Christian University and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Suzann currently serves with NC Baptist On Mission’s Disaster Relief team. When she’s not working with the United Way, you’ll find her singing with her church choir and leading a Senior Adult Women’s Bible Study.
Alexandra Lekki
Administrative Assistant
Alexandra was born and raised in Upstate NY with her parents and 5 siblings. Her family spent many summers vacationing in Emerald Isle, NC before moving to Elizabeth City in June 2020. Alexandra loves the beach, spending time with her family, a good book, and weightlifting.
Alexandra is looking forward to continuing to build relationships both professionally and personally within the community. She hopes her background and degree in Human Services will be an asset to the United Way and is excited to give back through the many programs made available through the organization.
Contact Alexandra:
Donald Waltz
Community Care
Collaborative Manager
Donald Waltz was born and raised in Hampton, VA, and received his degree in ministry from Mid-Atlantic Christian University here in Elizabeth City. While attending college, he met his wife Bethany and they have two children, a dog, and a cat. Donald has served in various ministries such as youth, congregational, and hospice. Donald’s focus is making sure people are equipped with what they need to get by and networking with other organizations to better serve our community. Donald enjoys stargazing with his telescope, collecting records, birdwatching, reading books on social justice and theology, and spending time with his family.
Contact Donald:
Anela Tory
Director of Community Engagement
Born and raised on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii, Anela recently relocated to Elizabeth City. After spending many summers visiting family in Elizabeth City, she fell in love with the “small town” feel of the community. The choice to move was a simple one. Though it is said “You can take the girl from the island but, not the island from the girl,” Anela is excited to bring the “Aloha Spirit” to our donors, partner agencies and community.
Anela comes with over 20 years of invaluable experience in both the private and non-profit sector. Previously as a Membership & VIP Manager at a non-profit in Hawaii, Anela has had proven success in fundraising, event planning, building, retaining and stewarding strong authentic donor relationships. She has also had the pleasure of managing a dedicated team of employees and over 200 volunteers. Anela has a true passion for philanthropy and is looking forward to sharing her experiences. She is delighted for the opportunity to join the organization and make a positive impact on the 9-counties that Albemarle Area United Way (AAUW) serves.
In her spare time, Anela enjoys the outdoors, adventures, historical sightseeing, and most of all spending time with her family.
Contact Anela: