Former Delta pilot to head United Way of East Mississippi

By By Penny Randall / staff writer
October 29, 2004
Thad Quarles on Monday will become the new president and chief executive officer of United Way of East Mississippi.
Quarles was expected to be introduced to the public during an informal meeting at 7:30 a.m. today at Union Station. He will replace Louis Sutton, who left the United Way in May to become an independent consultant.
Quarles is a retired captain for Delta Air Lines International Operations. He comes to Meridian from Atlanta.
The United Way of East Mississippi helps raise money for and supports such programs as the Boys and Girls Club, LOVE's Kitchen, Foster Grandparents and the Wesley House.
Quarles is familiar with the agency because he handled the fund-raising activities for the United Way's Tennessee chapter while working for the Tennessee state government in the 1970s.
Quarles said he has always been an advocate for United Way.
Quarles is no stranger to the area. He was stationed at Naval Air Station Meridian as a student pilot when he met his wife, Cleta, a Meridian native.
Betty Lou Jones, past chairman of the board of directors of the United Way of East Mississippi, said she believes Quarles is the right person to head the organization.
According to the national office for United Way, for every dollar that is given to the agency it reduces the demand for government money to health and human service organizations by $83.
He added that a large part of his job will be to encourage and reward those who volunteer their time to the organization.
The United Way of East Mississippi is currently involved in its fund-raising campaign. The goal is 700,000. If you would like to donate, call the office at 693-2732.
executive officer of the United Way of East Mississippi