United Way Director Begins a New Chapter
{Kristie Hege located in center, pink shorts/ Contributed Photo}
Kristie Hege, a Wallburg native and longtime community leader, is beginning a new chapter after more than two decades of service with United Way.
A 1995 graduate of Ledford High School, Hege went on to attend Western Carolina University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. A first-generation college student, she was also a four-year cheerleader and a member of Delta Zeta Sorority. Though her career path initially explored teaching and speech therapy, her journey ultimately led her to nonprofit work—where she found her calling.
When asked about her tenure, Hege reflected, “It would be 24 years on July 22nd. I started in July of 2002.”
Her journey with United Way began after an unexpected recommendation from a trusted mentor led her to apply for a Campaign Associate position. She interviewed with Dr. Lee Jessup in July 2002 and immediately knew she was in the right place.
“I knew instantly that I was exactly where God wanted me to be,” she said.
Hege rose through the organization over the years, becoming Campaign Director in 2014 and serving in that role until 2020. She was named President in November 2020, a role she has held for the past six years. During her time with United Way, the organization raised and invested more than $44 million into programs supporting those in need across the community.
Explaining her decision to step away, Hege shared, “This decision carries deep emotion and gratitude. In 2002, Dr. Lee Jessup gave me the opportunity to join the United Way team as Campaign Associate. In 2014, I was honored to become Campaign Director, and six years ago I was entrusted with the privilege of serving as President. I am incredibly grateful for the confidence so many of you placed in me along the way.”
She added, “If someone had told me 24 years ago, when I first said yes to this opportunity, that I would one day lead this organization, I would not have believed them. My only desire was to be part of a team that helped others.”
Hege credits the community for the organization’s success: “During my time here, together with the support and generosity of our community, we have raised and invested over $44 million into programs that serve those in need right here in our hometown. That is something I will always be proud of.”
Her decision, she says, comes down to faith and family. “There truly is a season for everything. I believe God opened the door and led me to United Way many years ago, and I trust that He is now guiding me in a different direction.”
She continued, “This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one for me and my family. My husband Brian, who is a teacher, plans to retire at the end of this school year, and our children, Emily and Drew, are getting older. After many years of prioritizing my professional responsibilities, I am ready to slow down and be more present with the people I love in this next season of life.”
Reflecting on her time with United Way, Hege emphasized the relationships she built: “The first things that come to mind are the laughs, the hugs, the shared tears, and the celebrations with my teammates, our board members, donors, volunteers, partner agencies, and the thousands of employees I’ve had the privilege to meet over the years.”
She also spoke about the impact she hoped to have on others: “One of my goals was to be someone who made everyone feel like a somebody. I pray that I accomplished that.”
One memory stands out above the rest. “Our team went out into the community to hang our campaign goal thermometers. We were joined by a group of participants from the Workshop of Davidson… It was a hot day—nearly 90 degrees—and we had three stops to make. They stayed with us the entire time, eager to help, each one smiling from ear to ear.”
She recalled how, after each stop, the group would celebrate together: “They would gather us into a circle, put our hands in together, count to three, and shout, ‘UNITED WAY!’”
For Hege, those moments captured the heart of the mission. “Moments like that are etched in my heart and will stay with me forever. They reminded me that our work truly mattered—and that it was always worth the long days.”
