Mrs. Yolanda Renee Sims Sanders began her tenure at United Way of the Golden Triangle Region in June 2015 as the Volunteer Director, leading Volunteer Columbus, an internal program of United Way. She later transitioned to her current role as Executive Director in 2019.
Before her tenure at United Way, Renee dedicated 18 years to East Mississippi Community College/Columbus Air Force Base, where she worked in student support services.
Renee is guided by three personal principles: authenticity, consistency, and perseverance. She attributes her faith, family, and friendships as the foundation for a long life, success, and good health.
Her top priority at United Way is to leave the organization stronger than she found it, serving as a responsible steward of the trust placed in her by the United Way board and the community.
In addition to her leadership role, Renee stays active in various pursuits. She teaches online courses for East Mississippi Community College, leads fitness classes at the YMCA, and serves as the youth director at her church, New Zion Pilgrim M.B. Church in Columbus, Mississippi.
Renee and her husband, Donnie—who is a lifelong resident of Columbus—have been married for 33 years. Together, they are proud parents of three wonderful adult daughters, one granddaughter, and one grandson.
Renee holds a Master of Science in Exercise Science from Mississippi University for Women and a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Jackson State University. (Updated 2025)