Ace of Trades: Tierney Ford is the resource development director for United Way
ZANESVILLE – She wanted to help people. And the community. And now she is.
“I was a very busy and outgoing child,” recalled Tierney Ford. “I was friends with everyone. I always loved to sing, dance and perform.
“At a young age,” she continued, “I dreamt of being a ballerina and then as I got older, I always said I wanted to be a teacher. When I started college that was the plan, but then made the switch to business. I knew I was called to work with people and build relationships. I just wasn’t sure what that would look like exactly.”
Today, Ford is the resource development coordinator for United Way of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan counties.
“I work with local area businesses and individuals to raise money during our annual campaign,” she explained. “And I help coordinate volunteers for United Way programs, and for our partner agencies when need be. I’m trying to spend more time out in the community spreading the word about what United Way is doing in our communities, and we plan on hosting more events in our new space.”
Ford was born and raised in Zanesville, graduated from Zanesville High School in 2008, then Muskingum University with a degree in business and a minor in music.
“Before I started at United Way of MPM, I worked for Park National Bank,” she said. “That’s where I first really knew what United Way did for our community. I got to work closely with the resource development coordinator at the time, other United Way staff, board members and volunteers, and I really got to see where United Way was making an impact.
“I’ve always felt called to do more, or do good,” she added, “to give back to the community and help people. I want my kids to see their mom made a difference in the world they live in. And I want them to continue that, at least in some capacity. Before I applied for the position, I knew a good amount about United Way, but I did a lot of research to be sure I was making the best decision for myself and my family.”
Ford started with the local United Way in May of this year.
“Tierney brings a fresh perspective to her role as resource development coordinator,” assessed Nicole Conrad, director of operations at United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan counties. “She’s eager to educate the community about all the benefits United Way of MPM has to offer.”
“I know I’ve only been in this role for a short period of time,” she concluded, “but I honestly can’t think of anything that I would rather be doing professionally.”
For more information about United Way of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan counties, log on www.unitedwayofmpm.org.
Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs – whether they’re unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at trnews@zanesvilletimesrecorder.com.
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Tierney Ford is the resource development director for United Way
