Meet Jamie Walker!
We are so honored to have the leadership of Jamie on our Tocqueville Society board for two years now. A bit about Jamie’s role in our community:
Executive Vice President Lawson Electric Company, Inc.
Graduated from UTC in 1993 with BS in Engineering (Electrical) and in 2001 with an MBA.
Served on Tocqueville board the last 2 years. Been a part of the Tocqueville Society for 5 years!
Served as Chair of Hard Hats with Heart Campaign for AHA in 2024.
Chair of the Board of Construction Appeals for Chattanooga.
Married to Julie and has 3 children: Alex, who is married to Annabelle), Emma, who is married to Evan, and Jack, who is engaged to Cheyenne. Jamie is expecting first grandchild in January.
“Growing up in rural Tennessee, I witnessed poverty firsthand. There was a time in my childhood when my family relied on food stamps to get by. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to rise beyond those circumstances, and I believe everyone deserves that same opportunity—not just to survive, but to truly live. That’s why I support United Way of Greater Chattanooga. They know how to direct resources—money, time, and services—where they’re needed most, to help those who are struggling in our communities. I hope you’ll join us.” – Jamie Walker, Tocqueville Board Member and Executive Vice President Lawson Electric Company, Inc.
Your Generosity in Action
Your support for our mission of uniting people and resources in building a stronger, healthier community empowers us to show up for our neighbors every day. Together, we’re driving impact in three core areas.
211 & Direct Assistance
211 is a free and confidential helpline connecting neighbors to food, housing, employment, and more. United Way answers more than 73,000 211 requests across phone calls, texts, and emails, and provides more than $800,000 in direct assistance every year.
Investing in Local Nonprofits
United Way supports over 70 nonprofits with over $4M through our inclusive grant model every year. Our team also provides innovative programing open to all area nonprofits to build capacity and collaborate.
Fostering Family-Friendly Workplaces
Our United for Working Families initiative arms local employers with the data and tools they need to offer family-friendly benefits, like flexibility and childcare support.
“We were taught from an early age that giving is essential to the well-being and success of our community. There are so many needs in Chattanooga. We are Tocqueville members because we believe United Way is best positioned to see that our donation reaches the most people with their critical needs.”
Dori and Blake Waller
Tocqueville Society Members
Thank You!
You are the driving force behind our work, empowering us to serve more neighbors in need every year and build deeper connections in the community. We are so grateful for each of you. Thank you for your unwavering leadership.
2025 Tocqueville Society Celebration - What a Night!
What an honor it was to welcome nearly 80 donors and supporters for a special night honoring both your generosity and that of the Chuck Zeiser family. If you couldn’t make it, we missed you and hope you can join us next time. See photos from the evening below!
Leave a Legacy
United Way donors have a profound passion for our community. By making a planned gift to United Way, you can leave a legacy to support the work you care so deeply about for generations to come. Whether through your will, retirement funds, or other simple estate planning techniques, your planned gift is a future-focused way to support critical work in our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I contribute such a large annual gift to United Way when there are so many other worthy causes?
Collective giving is powerful in helping to solve our community’s greatest challenges. Your dollar works harder when it’s working together with those of other donors. A gift to United Way is put directly to work ensuring every child has the resources to thrive, and families are empowered to break the cycle of financial hardship.
What levels of generosity include Tocqueville Society and when is payment due?
Members of the Tocqueville Society commit to a minimum gift of $10,000 annually, though some donors choose to give $100,000 or more. Gifts pledged during the 2024 United Way campaign are payable by the end of 2025.
Why do we use the name Alexis De Tocqueville?
Alexis de Tocqueville was a French diplomat and historian who detailed his travels in Democracy in America in the 1830s. He highlighted America’s unique culture of volunteerism and giving. The Tocqueville Society, inspired by his insights, celebrates the collaborative spirit essential for a vibrant civil society, embodying his belief in the power of collective action.
What is the value of choosing to do philanthropy through the Tocqueville Society?
– Recognition as a member of the world’s largest individual giving society in the world
– Exclusive invites to Tocqueville Society events
– Engagement with Greater Chattanooga’s critical business and government leaders
– Fulfillment of collectively impacting the lives of our neighbors and future generations
– Connection to like-minded philanthropic Tocqueville Society members
Contact Us!
Our staff is always happy to talk with you and learn more about your charitable passions. Reach out today!