Monday, March 5, 2012

Meet Joanne Hightower - 2012 Woman of Distinction

Joanne Hightower serves as the executive director for the United Way of Etowah County. She counts her career as her proudest accomplishment due to the opportunity it gives her to serve others on a daily basis.

Since moving to the Gadsden area in 1994, Hightower has served in many leadership roles, such as president of VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster), chairman of the Gadsden Area as well as member of the State Board of Directors for APSO (Alabama Power Service Organization), president-elect of the Gadsden Rotary Club and secretary of United Way of Alabama.

Having followed three older brothers involved in Boy Scouts, Hightower was thrilled to begin her Girl Scout journey in 1964 when she became a Brownie in Clinton, Tenn. As she learned the Girl Scout Promise and spoke the phrase, “to help people at all times,” she realized the value of community service. Hightower says, “Although the uniform has changed, the values that Girl Scouts represents will serve any Woman of Distinction yesterday, today or tomorrow.” 

Hightower will be honored at the 2012 East-Central Women of Distinction on March 9. For more information, visit girlscoutsnca.org/wodeastcentral.