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 Manager

Sarah Swartz

Sarah Swartz 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. Sarah is active in the Kiwanis Club of Hendersonville and currently serves as Vice President. She is also a member of the Board of Directors at Blue Ridge Humane Society. She is a registered yoga teacher and teaches classes at YAM in Hendersonville. Sarah enjoys hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains and spending time with her rescue cat Europa.

Operations Manager

Malisia Wilkins

Malisia joined the UWHC team in October of 2018 after moving back home to the mountains. 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.