RINCON — A helpful set of hands is waving goodbye to Effingham County.

Elise Zielicke will soon leave her post at United Way of the Coastal Empire-Effingham and return with her husband to her home state of Wisconsin. Her last day as executive director is May 16.

“We are actually moving to Madison, the capital, which is near where we both grew up,” Zielicke said. “My brother lives there, too, so we are excited.”

Parting from the job she has held since February 2018 comes with some sorrow, however.

“It’s been hard to have to say goodbye but I’m sure that I’ll come back and make a guest appearance now and again,” Zielicke said. “While my role as director was short lived, I’ve enjoyed growing with United Way and just really connecting with the community. That’s been the most close-to-my-heart success for me.

“I feel like I found who I am and grew along with my role.”

Zielicke ascended quickly through the United Way ranks after starting as an intern in May 2015. She worked briefly for United Way in Savannah before landing in Effingham County as an assistant later that year.

“Really, it comes down to just being who you are, being authentic and showing passion for your work,” she said while explaining her United Way success. 

Under Zielicke’s direction, the United Way of the Coastal Empire-Effingham set a fund-raising record, collected more than $414,000 in 2018. Its goal was $348,000.

Zielicke was also instrumental in the establishment of Churches United, a joint initiative with 49 Effingham County churches. The initiative’s goal is to enhance the ability to help people in need and avoid duplication of services.

“I feel very proud of the work we did over the time I’ve been here and while I’ve been in this role,” Zielicke said. “Success is not a one-person show so it took many, many people, a lot of work and I’ve had great teachers (former executive directors Bonnie Dixon and Julie Dickey). I’ve had great teammates with my coworkers and also just wonderful support with the past and present (United Way) advisory board members, and the community at large.

“I couldn’t have done it without their trust in me.”

Zielicke is likely to take a break before reentering the workforce in Wisconsin.

“I’m currently pursuing my next step and I’m trying to be intentional about what that looks like,” she said. “I’m interested in the opportunities as they come so I’m not quite sure what that will be next.”

It is likely that Zielicke’s next career stop will resemble her current one.

“I’m interested in the nonprofit sector, and continuing with that” she said. “I’m also interested in — what I love about this role — is bridging the for-profit and nonprofit sectors in the community so being a corporate social responsibility manager in that realm, I could really see myself doing that. Either way, I really want to see myself plugged into the community.”

Zielicke will spend her free time building relationships in Madison, a “family friendly” town with a population of nearly 250,000.

“I will take time and see what comes of that,” she said.

Zielicke is hopeful that she will end up associating with the same kind of people she did here.

“I just want to thank everyone for their tremendous support of United Way and their trust in me as a community leader,” she said. “I know that the future of the United Way is bright and the good work will continue, and I look forward to seeing that unfold.” 

The search for Zielicke’s successor is ongoing. An announcement is expected shortly.