CULLMAN, Ala. – Tyler Hooper officially stepped into his role as executive director of the United Way of Cullman County on March 2, 2026.
Hooper said the community has played a significant role in shaping who he is, so having the opportunity to now serve it in this capacity is both an honor and a responsibility he takes seriously.
“I’ve had the opportunity to engage with United Way events and initiatives over the years, including through Youth Leadership Cullman County and as a former board member of the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce,” he said. “What has always stood out to me is the sense of community these efforts create. My favorite part is seeing people from all backgrounds come together around a shared purpose — whether that’s supporting a fundraiser, volunteering or simply learning more about the work being done. There’s a genuine sense that everyone is contributing to something bigger than themselves.”
Hooper shared that one thing that excites him most about United Way is its ability to bring people together to create meaningful, lasting impact.
“We are in a unique position to support a network of 18 partner agencies and programs that address real needs across Cullman and Winston counties every single day,” he said. “I’m especially energized by the opportunity to grow that impact — strengthening relationships, increasing community awareness, expanding our reach and ensuring that every dollar invested through United Way is stewarded strategically to meet the greatest needs in our community.”
Right now, the UWCC’s focus is on building momentum — deepening partnerships, increasing engagement and growing fundraising efforts in a sustainable way.
“We recently hosted our 2026 Crawfish Boil, which was a tremendous success and is already on track to surpass last year’s fundraising totals,” Hooper said. “Events like this are a great example of how our community shows up for one another. I especially want to thank Hank’s Sports Bar & Rumors Deli for hosting and partnering with us in such a meaningful way, along with Jubilee Kitchen and Bar and Seven Daughters Scoops for creating specialty food and beverage items that directly supported our work and the 18 partner agencies we fund. Looking ahead, we’re preparing for our annual Designer Bag Bingo on Nov. 12, presented by Listerhill Credit Union — one of our most anticipated events of the year, and we expect it to be our biggest yet. Tickets will go on sale later this year. We’ll also host Stuff the Bus this summer to support local students, as well as our Day of Giving in September, which offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for those who want to get involved and give back.”
Hooper grew up in Hanceville on a horse and cattle farm, and is a graduate of Sacred Heart and St. Bernard Prep.
“My roots in this community run deep,” he said. “My father, the late Granville Hooper, brought Webb Wheel to Cullman as the first company in the city’s original industrial park in the early 1980s. My career has been centered in nonprofit fundraising and community engagement. I began at REV Birmingham, later served as chief development and alumni officer at St. Bernard and then as director of development at The Birmingham Promise, where I helped support a $9 million operating budget and a $10 million endowment. Now, I have the privilege of leading United Way here at home, which is truly the greatest honor of my career. I’ve always been drawn to work that connects people to meaningful causes. Outside of work, I value time with my mother and friends, as well as staying connected to the community that has invested so much in me. That personal connection is a big part of why this role matters so deeply.”
The United Way’s impact is truly community-driven, according to Hooper.
“Our funding decisions are made through a volunteer-led allocation process, where community members evaluate needs, conduct site visits and help determine how resources are distributed,” he said. “That means when you support United Way, you’re not just giving to one organization — you’re investing in a network of vetted programs working together to strengthen Cullman and Winston counties and improve quality of life for all. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish together as a community.”
