New Director of Volunteerism Joins Staff

Greater Ottawa County United Way welcomes Shannon Morton to its staff as Director of Volunteerism. Morton replaces Paulina Lawton, who left in December to join the staff of International Aid.

United Way President Patrick Moran said, “We are delighted to have Shannon join United Way as we continue to work daily at advancing the common good. Volunteerism is a vital part of our Live United philosophy and we are confident that under her leadership we will continue to see it thrive and grow in Ottawa County.”

Morton has served on the front lines of volunteerism in Ottawa County for several years. From 2006-2007 she was a VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) volunteer appointed to United Way. In that full-time position she assisted the director in carrying out United Way’s volunteer effort and helped launch the Student Service Learning Program. Since then, she has been the Community Resource Manager for Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity in Holland, where she also recruited, managed, and recognized volunteers.  

“I am excited to be back at United Way at this pivotal time in its history,” said Morton. “I am looking forward to helping Ottawa County citizens to make a difference through volunteerism, and especially to continuing the rollout of Student Service Learning in high schools county-wide.”

Morton graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1993 and attended Muskegon Community College and Western Michigan University. She and her husband Aaron make their home in Grand Haven with sons Jack, 7, and Spencer, 3 months.  She can be reached at                      (616) 396-7811           in Holland or                      (616) 842-7130           in Grand Haven or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .