Community Investment Team Volunteers

Community Investment Chair /  Spring 2027

 

Deb Pyland is a lifelong champion for Southeast Arkansas, known for her unwavering commitment to education, nonprofit service, and community well‑being.

      As co‑owner and operator of SEARK Heating & Air alongside her husband, John Pyland, Deb plays an essential role in the daily operations of the family business—managing the office, supporting customers, and ensuring the company’s reputation for personal, trustworthy service.

    Before entering the small‑business world, Deb dedicated nearly two decades to Southeast Arkansas College, where she served in multiple leadership roles, including Director of Retention and later Director of Off‑Campus Programs & Community Outreach. In these positions, she helped expand access to education, supported student success, and strengthened partnerships between the college and the broader community.

    Deb’s passion for service extends far beyond her professional roles. She is a long‑standing volunteer and community advocate, serving on numerous boards and committees throughout the region. Her leadership with United Way of Southeast Arkansas—where she serves as a Director—reflects her deep belief in improving lives through collaboration, compassion, and hands‑on engagement. She is widely recognized for her reliability, integrity, and her tireless efforts to make Southeast Arkansas a stronger, more connected place to live.

Whether supporting families through her business, empowering students through education, or strengthening nonprofits through board service, Deb Pyland embodies the spirit of community leadership and service that defines Southeast Arkansas.

 

We are excited to invite you to join other community members in serving on an allocations panel this year. Your insights will play a crucial role in the decision-making process, ensuring that our resources are allocated effectively to make a lasting impact.

Time Requirements:

  • One half-day for site visits to agencies.
  • One half-day for budget review meetings.
  • Both sessions are scheduled for May.

Your designated Panel Chair will reach out to you soon to provide details about your orientation meeting and address any questions you may have. We are grateful for your willingness to invest your time in such a meaningful way.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact us at 870-534-2153.

Once again, thank you for your commitment to strengthening our community. We look forward to working together to make a positive impact through this important initiative.

Yours in Service,

United Way of Southeast Arkansas / info@pbreynoldscenter.org / 870-534-2153