FLORENCE, SC – Francis Marion University’s Fred R. Sheheen Nonprofit Leadership Institute (FMU NPLI) and Together SC proudly announce Blakely Roof (pictured) as the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Fred R. Sheheen Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership. Named in honor of Fred R. Sheheen, the award recognizes a nonprofit professional who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact within the sector.
Roof has served as President and CEO of United Way of Horry County since 2019. She brings a deep commitment to community building and collaboration to her work. Originally from Knoxville, she moved to Myrtle Beach in 2006 after graduating from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing.
Roof’s career along the Grand Strand includes leadership roles with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Conway Medical Center, and Habitat for Humanity of Horry County. Through this work, she has helped advance initiatives focused on access to healthcare, food security, housing stability and family self-sufficiency.
Under her leadership, United Way of Horry County has adopted a Collective Impact Agenda centered on improving access to mental health resources, increasing kindergarten readiness, and supporting financially stable households. Her collaborative approach has strengthened partnerships across the region and positioned the organization as a catalyst for measurable community change.
“Blakely Roof exemplifies the collaborative and forward-thinking leadership this award celebrates,” said Chuck MacNeil of Francis Marion University. “Her ability to unite partners around shared goals and deliver meaningful results has elevated the nonprofit sector in South Carolina.”
A graduate of multiple regional and statewide leadership programs, Roof currently serves on several local boards, including Coast RTA, Horry County Community Land Trust, the Santee Cooper Advisory Council, and as President of the Conway Chamber of Commerce.
As the 2026 Award Recipient, Roof will receive:
A $500 cash award from Francis Marion University
A distinguished award plaque
Complimentary registration to the FMU NPLI Alumni Gathering in Spring 2026
Complimentary registration to the 2026 SC Nonprofit Summit, hosted by Together SC
Statewide recognition through FMU and Together SC communications
Recognition on Together SC and FMU websites
Outside of her professional work, Roof enjoys cheering on the Clemson Tigers and the Tennessee Volunteers, and spending time with her husband, Barry, and their two children, Reed and Callie.
About the Fred R. Sheheen Nonprofit Leadership Institute:
The FMU NPLI was established to support and train nonprofit leaders across South Carolina and continues to honor the legacy of Fred Sheheen by fostering strong, effective leadership within the nonprofit sector.
About Together SC:
Together SC is South Carolina’s premier network of nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, dedicated to strengthening and elevating the sector through education, advocacy, and collaboration.