Betsy Ivey has been the Executive Director of the United Way of the Pine Belt since April 2021. Prior to joining the United Way organization, Betsy worked for SouthernLinc Wireless—a division of Southern Company for over 13 years. She also spent several years flying the friendly skies as a Flight Attendant for Northwest Airlines.
Betsy has a BS degree from Mississippi College in both Consumer Economics and Foods and Nutrition. Although originally from Picayune, MS she also lived in The Garden City—–Augusta, GA for 7 years before returning to Mississippi in 1995. Since arriving in Laurel, 29 years ago, Betsy has been a consummate civic leader in the community as well as her church. Betsy served many years as Parent’s Club President as well as serving on the Board of Directors of St. John’s Day School. She has been a Cub Scout Leader as well as a member of the Laurel Ballet Board. She was a devoted member of the Laurel Junior Auxiliary, Town and Country Garden Club, Laurel Tennis Association and served as Wesley Circle Chairman for over 3 years. From 2017-2019, Betsy was a member of the Leadership Jones County program where she served as the Leader of the Pack. Betsy was the driving force to establish an off-leash dog park in Laurel.
Betsy has served as Church Council Chairman at Laurel First Methodist Church and is currently a member of the Staff Parrish Committee. Betsy is the creator and leader of the Novelista Book club. Betsy serves on the Board of Directors of the Dubard School for Language Development as well as the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.
At present, Betsy is deeply devoted to the current mission of the United Way and helping to provide funding for those in need all over the Pine Belt. But she passionately believes that the BEST job on her resume involves getting to be the mother to three, wonderful adult children, William, Clay and Mary Frances Ivey.