For Greg and Kim Gheen, giving back is about service, community, and answering the call to make a difference. When asked to serve as the 2025 United Way of Greater Knoxville (UWGK) Campaign Chairs, they saw an opportunity to pay forward the kindness, mentorship, and support that shaped their lives.
When asked what motivated them to take on this role given the other family and community responsibilities, Greg mentioned, “We kept coming back to Isaiah 6:8: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Here I am, Lord, send me.’” Their commitment to the community runs deep, and they are ready to share their passion and inspire donors to bring Knoxville together around a shared goal: building a stronger, more connected future for everyone.
Deep Roots, Strong Commitment
Greg and Kim’s story is woven into the fabric of Knoxville. Growing up in the Pleasant Ridge and Karns communities, meeting as students at Roane State, and raising their family here, they have always felt a deep love for the place they call home.
For Greg, that connection started in the sports fields of Knoxville, where volunteers—coaches, mentors, and community leaders—invested their time and energy to create opportunities for kids like him. Later, as a young professional, he brought that spirit of giving to others, organizing outings for at-risk youth through a United Way initiative. Whether hiking, riding horses, or cheering at ball games, Greg saw the transformative power of connection, support, and community fun.
For Kim, giving back was a family tradition. Inspired by parents who served through their church and community organizations, she carried that legacy into her own life. She volunteered in her children’s schools, mentored through Junior Achievement, and chaperoned field trips that deepened her love for Knoxville. Over the years, she found her passion in education and food accessibility, believing that nourishing the mind and body lays the foundation for a thriving community.
Why United Way?
Greg and Kim’s journey with UWGK began nearly 40 years ago. Greg’s first introduction came through a simple but powerful moment—a conversation with his now lifelong friend, Alvin Nance, who asked him to get involved following a conversation about their shared experiences at Maryville College. That one “yes” sparked four decades of support for UWGK’s mission.
Kim’s connection started with a workplace campaign payroll deduction at her first nursing job, and her passion for UWGK’s impact deepened over time. One story that stands out is her experience volunteering at Susannah’s House, where she met a young woman who had struggled with addiction for years. Through the support of UWGK-funded programs, that young woman rebuilt her life, earning her nurse practitioner degree, regaining custody of her son, and becoming a leader in her own right.
“That’s the power of United Way,” Kim shares. “It’s not just about short-term help. It’s about transformation.”
United We Can: A Shared Vision for Change
This year’s campaign theme, United We Can, resonates deeply with Greg and Kim. It’s a reminder for Greg that the parks, schools, food pantries, and support services that make Knoxville stronger don’t exist by chance. They exist because people step up, contribute, and work together to make it happen. “Many hands make light work,” he says. “It takes all of us to create lasting change.”
Kim echoes that sentiment. “We are stronger, more efficient, and more fulfilled when we unite behind a common goal.” She believes in the ripple effect of generosity—how one act of giving lifts not just one person but an entire community.
Looking Ahead: Their Hope for Knoxville
As campaign chairs, Greg and Kim are on a mission to expand awareness and inspire action in support of UWGK’s work building a thriving community for all. Their vision is simple: more people engaged, more voices advocating, and more resources fueling life-changing programs.
“United Way listens to our community’s needs and responds,” Greg says. “If we can bring more people into that conversation—if we can show them the impact they can have—then we’re doing our job.” Kim adds, “My hope is that we not only strengthen and expand United Way’s reach but also inspire a deeper understanding of its mission.”
Join Greg and Kim in Making a Difference
Greg and Kim are ready to lead this year’s campaign but can’t do it alone. They’re calling on you to be part of the change. Whether donating, volunteering, or simply sharing the message, every action moves Knoxville forward.
United We Can. Donate now.
