09/01/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
George Mylander Awards Return October 27, Celebrating Leadership, Education and Community Investment
United Way of Erie County will also celebrate its Workplace Campaign as community nominations open through September 30
SANDUSKY, Ohio — September 2026 — The George Mylander Awards will return to BGSU Firelands on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, celebrating individuals who reflect George Mylander’s lifelong commitment to education, leadership, service and investing in Erie County.
Established in 2025 by United Way of Erie County under the leadership of Executive Director E.J. Brinson, the awards were created to carry forward the legacy of a man whose commitment to United Way was part of a much broader dedication to his community. This year, the celebration will also recognize businesses, organizations and employees participating in the United Way of Erie County Workplace Campaign—connecting Mylander’s tradition of giving with the people investing in Erie County today.
After receiving 19 community nominations during its inaugural year, the George Mylander Awards are expanding to recognize two individuals in 2026.
The George Mylander Community Leadership Award will honor an individual whose leadership, service, humility and commitment to others have made a meaningful difference in the community.
The new George Mylander Excellence in Education Award will recognize an educator whose dedication and impact continue to inspire and create opportunities for others.
“The strength of a community is shaped by people who choose to invest in others. Whether through education, leadership, or service, these individuals open doors, expand possibilities, and create opportunities that can impact generations. The George Mylander Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate two exceptional individuals whose commitment and contributions reflect the very best of our community.” Dr. Allia L. Carter, Dean BGSU Firelands College
Community nominations for both awards are open through September 30, 2026. Nominations can be submitted at https://bit.ly/4gDMLkR.
Three area superintendents will assist with the selection of the Excellence in Education Award: Dr. Luther E. Johnson Jr., CEO and Superintendent of Sandusky City Schools; Dr. Lonny Rivera, Superintendent of Perkins Local School District; and Dr. James Tatman, Superintendent of Huron City Schools.
For the Community Leadership Award, David Bier, who helped select the inaugural recipients and was personally connected to Mylander and his work, will assist United Way in forming the selection committee.
Last year, Paul M. Koch and Pastor Curtis Johnson Jr. were selected as the inaugural recipients from 19 community nominees.
Carrying George’s Commitment to United Way Forward
Mylander’s support of United Way reflected his belief that people working and giving together could make their community stronger. United Way will honor that connection by making its Workplace Campaign Celebration part of the October 27 event.
Businesses and organizations are encouraged to begin their campaigns early as Pacesetters, helping build momentum and demonstrating their commitment to Erie County. Pacesetters will be recognized during the October celebration.
“George understood that when we invest in people, we invest in what our community can become,” said E.J. Brinson, Executive Director of United Way of Erie County. “Education prepares people for what is possible, community leadership helps create those possibilities, and investment gives us the ability to turn ideas into action. Bringing the George Mylander Awards and our Workplace Campaign together allows us to honor that legacy while asking all of us what we are willing to invest in the next generation.
Community investment has helped United Way build significant momentum this year, including bringing 211 back to Erie County, investing in essential Agency Partner services, expanding financial stability and barrier-removal efforts for working families, strengthening free tax preparation efforts, and convening partners around housing, transportation, workforce development and economic opportunity.
The Workplace Campaign will help United Way and its partners build on that progress in the year ahead.
Businesses interested in participating in the Workplace Campaign or becoming a Pacesetter can email [email protected].
Individuals and employees can participate by completing the Workplace Campaign Pledge Form at https://bit.ly/4wXwTzN. Forms are also available at https://uweriecounty.org under Forms → Campaign Pledge Forms, or a printed form can be requested by emailing [email protected].
Mylander Legacy Continues
The awards are not the only way Mylander’s legacy will continue this fall. On September 22—George Mylander’s birthday—United Way of Erie County and BGSU Firelands will launch the George Mylander Leadership Series, focused on strengthening the connection between education and community leadership. Additional information about the series will be announced separately.
Event Information
The George Mylander Awards & United Way Workplace Campaign Celebration will be held Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at BGSU Firelands, 1 University Drive, Huron, Ohio 44839.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning shortly thereafter.
Individual tickets are $75 and can be purchased by making a $75 donation at https://uweriecounty.org/donate and entering “George Mylander Awards” in the comment section.
Businesses and organizations interested in purchasing a table or becoming an event sponsor should email [email protected].
Award nominations: https://bit.ly/4gDMLkR
Nomination deadline: September 30, 2026
Workplace Campaign pledge: https://bit.ly/4wXwTzN
Tickets: https://uweriecounty.org/donate
About United Way of Erie County
United Way of Erie County mobilizes the caring power of community to improve lives by connecting people to resources, investing in essential services, removing barriers, strengthening financial stability and bringing partners together to create opportunities for individuals and families throughout Erie County.
United is the Way.
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