One Sumter launches donor engagement strategy, hires new director

AMERICUS — The One Sumter Economic Development Foundation Board of Directors has announced a new emphasis on donor engagement and relationship management as the organization enters its second decade.

Recognizing the need to dedicate full-time staff to guide the foundation’s evolution into a stronger, more purposeful nonprofit, the board announced that Colton Mims has been named One Sumter’s new director of donor relations.

Having a relationship-based business background with William Bailey State Farm and Thryv, Mims brings expertise built upon a hands-on approach to cultivating donor and investor relationships, which will be essential to One Sumter’s long-term sustainability.

 “Over the course of three successful capital campaigns with One Sumter, we have realized the key to our ongoing success will be to improve the ongoing relationships we have with our existing investors — and, the opportunity to grow our own throughout the five-year life cycle of GROW 2029, not just at the end of the five years,” One Sumter Chair Alex Saratsiotis offered as the foundation’s new approach. “The communications, outreach and accountability to investors need to be a part of our daily business model. We believe Colton can do that.”

Throughout Mims’ career, he has demonstrated a commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of the people and businesses he serves. His approach has consistently centered on building trust and offering genuine, lasting solutions — qualities that One Sumter is hoping will enhance his efforts in strengthening donor relations for the organization.

“Colton is going to be a great addition to our team,” Saratsiotis added. “We are excited about taking the next step for One Sumter’s long-term success, and we believe Colton is the right person to guide us in that direction. It’s the piece we’ve known we’ve needed for some time, and making sure we are accountable to the needs and expectations of our donors is most important as we continue to address Sumter County’s economic, community, and work force development priorities.”

Mims said he shares Saratsiotis’ enthusiasm for the opportunity to grow the organization, and in turn, its impact.

“With One Sumter having a proven track record of shaping a future where economic opportunity uplifts every member of our community, I am wholeheartedly focused on strengthening connections across Sumter County and beyond,” Mims said. 

Having joined the One Sumter team on Nov. 18, Mims will work in direct coordination with the Board of Directors and One Sumter’s Director of Programs, Tammye Pettyjohn Jones. The new focus area will allow One Sumter’s staff to streamline efforts to create a more effective approach to both its critical work in the community and its ability to facilitate quality, meaningful relationships with those who make the work possible — the donors.

“My goal is to provide meaningful ways for citizens and businesses to support One Sumter’s mission, with a commitment to unwavering stewardship,” Mims added.

For more information about the One Sumter Economic Development Foundation, visit www.onesumter.org or contact the agency directly at (229) 924-3042.