When Brandon Johnson enters a room, he makes an impact. His towering stature and bold personality match the way he works. So, when Brandon started looking for more ways to volunteer his time, he looked for opportunities with oomph.
“I wanted to get involved and give back to my community,” SCJ’s civil engineering manager said. “United Way was the most powerful way to do that.”
Brandon is a Centralia native, his children fourth generation Lewis County residents. In the fall of 2016 Brandon saw a dream of his come true when he helped SCJ open an office in downtown Centralia, allowing him to work where he lives.
Brandon joined the board for United Way’s Lewis County chapter in February, and it couldn’t have happened at a better time.
“The Lewis County United Way is amid a complete overhaul of its mission statement,” Brandon explained. “I get to be a part of the strategic planning and really affect our community. I got involved just in time.”
The chapter is redirecting its focus to address intergenerational poverty, Brandon said. “We live in a family-focused community where people want to raise their children and their grandchildren, but the cycle of poverty is strong. At United Way, we are looking critically at ways to break that cycle on a community level.”
In addition to monthly board meetings, Brandon recently attended the organization’s annual Chef’s Night Out fundraiser with his wife. “It was really well attended and a huge success!” he said. “It had a Havana Nights theme with Cuban food and Cuban attire.”
In September, Brandon will be golfing with the group in its 26th annual golf tournament. If you’d like to join him and “tee up to lift families out of poverty,” visit www.lewiscountyuw.com/golf-tournament.
