United Way of Greater Kingsport Celebrates Annual Meeting

Organization reflects on year of impact, honors volunteers, and transitions leadership

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The United Way of Greater Kingsport held its annual meeting, bringing together local leaders, partner agencies, and volunteers to celebrate a year of community impact. Outgoing President and CEO Danelle Glasscock delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the organization's evolution from a pass-through fundraiser to a community impact organization. The meeting also recognized volunteers, announced funding allocations, and transitioned leadership to the incoming 2026 Board Chair Greg Perdue.

Why it matters

The United Way plays a crucial role in the Kingsport community, raising and distributing funds to support a wide range of social services and programs. The annual meeting serves as an opportunity to highlight the organization's achievements, honor volunteers, and ensure a smooth leadership transition as it continues to address complex community challenges.

The details

During the annual meeting, Glasscock walked attendees through the "three buckets" of United Way's work: raising money, counting money, and spending money. She noted that the organization has evolved from a pass-through fundraiser to a community impact organization that assesses root causes and brings together collaborations to solve problems. The 2025 campaign raised $2.5 million, meeting its goal, and the organization announced over $1.3 million in 2026 allocations to 26 local agencies supporting 31 programs. Other highlights included 11,000 hours of volunteer service, partnerships with 27 member agencies serving 25,000 individuals, and the Kingsport Homeless Coalition helping 104 people secure permanent housing in 2025.

  • The annual meeting was held on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
  • Danelle Glasscock has led the organization since 2010 and is set to retire.
  • The 2025 campaign raised $2.5 million in cash and pledges.

The players

Danelle Glasscock

The outgoing President and CEO of the United Way of Greater Kingsport, who has led the organization since 2010 and is set to retire.

Brent Mullins

The 2025 Board Chair of the United Way of Greater Kingsport.

Greg Perdue

The incoming 2026 Board Chair of the United Way of Greater Kingsport.

Terry Cunningham

The executive director of the Kingsport Housing and Redevelopment Authority, who was honored with a Live United Volunteer Award.

Van Dobbins

A longtime volunteer known for his work with the Central Baptist Church Food Ministry, who was also honored with a Live United Volunteer Award.

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What they’re saying

“I want to try today to explain United Way to you very quickly and simply with these three buckets. If we think about United Way, this is a simple word of how United Way works. It's not that complicated. We raise the money. We count the money. And we, guess what? Spend the money.”

— Danelle Glasscock, Outgoing President and CEO

“The United Ways used to be more of a pass-through organization. That has evolved into a community impact organization assessing for root cause … and bringing together collaborations of people to solve these problems. We often say that today's problems are more complex than any one organization can solve on their own.”

— Danelle Glasscock, Outgoing President and CEO

“It has been the honor of my life to serve in this role of improving lives in Greater Kingsport. I thank each of you for the front row seat I've had to see your generosity and good works. Live United.”

— Danelle Glasscock, Outgoing President and CEO

“We not only navigated significant challenges, but also built a stronger foundation for a thriving community.”

— Brent Mullins, 2025 Board Chair

“This accomplishment reflects hope, opportunity and resilience for thousands of individuals and families across our region.”

— Brent Mullins, 2025 Board Chair

What’s next

The incoming 2026 Board Chair Greg Perdue will lead the organization in the coming year, building on the foundation laid by Danelle Glasscock and the previous board.

The takeaway

The United Way of Greater Kingsport's annual meeting showcased the organization's evolution from a pass-through fundraiser to a community impact organization, highlighting its ability to navigate challenges, foster collaborations, and make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of individuals and families across the region.