Staff - United Way of Henderson County

Executive Director

Denise Cumbee Long

Denise joined the UWHC team as Executive Director in April 2015. Prior to her arrival, Denise was the executive director of International House, a nonprofit organization in Charlotte serving immigrants and refugees. She is also the former director of a statewide loan repayment program for public interest attorneys and a domestic violence agency in Louisburg, NC. Denise holds JD and MDiv degrees and has served as interim senior pastor at congregations in Chapel Hill and Elon, NC. She and her husband love LIVING UNITED and being part of a caring community here in Henderson County.

Director of Finance

Robin Morgan

Robin has been part of the UWHC team since 2008. Prior to coming to Hendersonville, she worked at Lake Toxaway for 18 years in the resort management field. A native of Transylvania county, she loves living in western North Carolina and enjoys time with her family and friends.

Director of Community Impact

Sarah Kowalak

Sarah served as UWHC's Marketing & Communications Coordinator from 2007-2013, and is thrilled to rejoin the staff after two years as the Community Relations Director at The Free Clinics. Originally from Massachusetts (and still a devoted Red Sox fan), Sarah and her family have been in Henderson County for ten years, and love calling the mountains their home. As Director of Community Impact, Sarah is looking forward to collaborating with all of our partners to make real improvements in education, income, and health in our community.

Director of Resource Development & Marketing

Kat Carlton

Kat Carlton joined the UWHC team as Director of Resource Development & Marketing in August of 2019. She most recently served as the Grants Manager for MANNA Foodbank and previously worked as an international programs manager for a non-profit aimed at strengthening clinical disease management and emergency medical response in low resource communities. Kat holds a BA in International Political Economy from the University of Puget Sound and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management with a degree in finance and program management. Grounded in a foundation of philanthropy, Kat has over a decade of experience overseeing program, financial, and operational management within both corporate and non-profit settings. Kat is also a professional ski instructor and whitewater guide who enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Sarah Beattie

Sarah Beattie joined the United Way team in August of 2019. Sarah holds a BA in Mass Communication from Denison University in Granville, Ohio and has over 20 years experience working in a variety of fields including advertising, marketing, business development, health and fitness. She has served as the Development Director for Gateway House, a United Way partner in Greenville, SC and most recently managed two hot yoga studios in Greenville. She is a registered yoga teacher and teaches classes at the Hendersonville YMCA. Sarah enjoys hiking, reading and spending time with her dog Lady.

Volunteer Engagement & Operations Manager

Malisia Wilkins

Malisia is a Henderson County native that has recently returned to the area. She graduated from Clemson University where she studied Sociology and Horticulture with a concentration in Sustainability. Prior to joining the United Way team she worked in Marketing and Brand Management for Bon Appétit at the University of Redlands in California. Malisia resides in Flat Rock with her husband, Chris, and cat, Squeezy.

Finance Assistant

MacKenzie Garren

Mackenzie is a Henderson County native and 2017 graduate of North Henderson High School. She is in her second year at Blue Ridge Community College and is majoring in Business Administration: Marketing & Retailing. Mackenzie’s United Way journey began this past summer when she came to do an internship with us. We loved her so much (and thankfully she liked us) that we snatched her up to be our Finance Assistant! When she’s not in the office she enjoys working out and taking naps.