William Gaston Awards 2017

Mrs. Leigh Hasty Spach

Mrs. Leigh Spach has been described as a devoted and highly motivated public servant. She has committed many years to serving Gaston County and its citizens. As the United Way's Donor Relations Coordinator, Leigh believes that educating our community on the importance of "giving back for the benefit of those less fortunate" is essential to building a stronger community for our residents.

Before coming to work for the United Way of Gaston County, Leigh worked with the Alliance for Children and Youth, Community in Schools, a United Way partner agency. During that time, along with the Community Foundation of Gaston County, Leigh helped to create Teens Changing Gaston County, a youth-led philanthropy program that teaches young people in our County the importance of donating and volunteering in the service of others. This program is now a very successful YMCA program. She also worked to help improve the graduation rate at Hunter Huss High School.

Leigh is an active member of the Family Advisory Board of Gaston County, which makes non-profit funding recommendations for prevention-based services to the Gaston County Board of Commissioners. She was the former Secretary to the Board, a position she held for 8 years, and was instrumental in updating the Board's By-Laws and improving the grant process which is still in place today.

Most recently she has been asked to join the Robinwood Lake YMCA Leadership Team. This team will be instrumental in assessing the community's needs and will help the new YMCA be the best it can be.

Leigh's sense of community has led her to hold positions on many other boards including the Steering Committee for the Community Foundation Run since 2006; the Safe Kids Coalition for 4 years; and she served as Board President and Board Member for Junior Achievement of Gaston County.

Leigh is married to Fred Spach, Jr., President of Carolina Brush Company. Together they have raised 3 children - Melissa O'Brien who now lives and works in Charlotte, and William O'Brien and Adam Spach who both attend East Carolina University. She enjoys water skiing, entertaining friends and family hiking, walking her two dogs, Sophie and Grady, gardening, and pretty much anything outdoors.

Leigh, the County Commission is indebted to you for your many years of service and for your continuing efforts to make Gaston County a better place to live, work and play.