DeLong retiring from Hartsville United Way
Greater Hartsville United Way Executive Director Joann DeLong.
After 13 years of unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, the United Way of Greater Hartsville will say goodbye to Executive Director Joann DeLong as she officially retires on July 31st, leaving behind a legacy that has forever changed the organization and the community it serves.
For more than a decade, DeLong has been the driving force behind the growth and transformation of the United Way of Greater Hartsville. When she first assumed leadership, the organization operated from a space “no larger than a broom closet.” Through determination, innovation, and a deep love for the community, she helped turn a small operation into a thriving organization with a lasting impact across Darlington County.
One of the earliest and most significant milestones during DeLong’s tenure was expanding the organization’s mission beyond Hartsville to serve all of Darlington County. That decision broadened United Way’s reach and strengthened its commitment to helping individuals and families throughout the region.
Under her guidance, the organization experienced remarkable physical and programmatic growth. From its modest beginnings, United Way eventually moved into a storefront location before settling into its current 3,000-square-foot standalone building in downtown Hartsville — a welcoming and visible symbol of hope, service, and support for the community.
Yet those who know DeLong say her true legacy cannot simply be measured in square footage or buildings. Her greatest accomplishment has been redefining the role of United Way within the community itself.
During her leadership, the organization evolved from primarily serving as a distributor of funds to becoming a direct source of action and assistance for local residents. Today, United Way of Greater Hartsville operates 12 in-office programs that provide hands-on support for individuals and families facing challenges, while also maintaining strong partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders across the area.
Friends, colleagues, and supporters describe DeLong as a passionate and compassionate leader who always believed that communities are strongest when every person has the opportunity to succeed. Her work has touched countless lives and strengthened the very fabric of Darlington County in ways that will continue to be felt for years to come.
Although her retirement marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, many say the impact of her leadership will continue to guide the organization well into the future.
While the community will deeply miss her daily presence, there is also joy in knowing DeLong is stepping into a well-earned season of rest and new adventures. She plans to spend more time traveling and camping with her husband, Greg, while also enjoying the hobbies she loves most — sewing, baking, and creating cherished memories with her children and grandchildren.
As the United Way of Greater Hartsville prepares to turn the page to a new chapter, the community pauses to celebrate a woman whose dedication, compassion, and vision transformed lives throughout Darlington County.
Joann DeLong’s retirement is not simply the closing of a career — it is the celebration of a legacy built on service, hope, and heart.
The United Way of Greater Hartsville encourages the community to join in thanking Joann DeLong for her extraordinary years of service and wishing her happiness and many joyful adventures in retirement.