News

United Way hires minister with a law degree

Denise Long

By Bill Moss, Published: March 10, 2015

United Way of Henderson County announced that it has named Denise Cumbee Long as its new executive director.

She succeeds Ruth Birge, who has led UWHC for the past five years.

"After a national search for a new executive director, we are excited to bring Ms. Long here to lead our staff and volunteers at United Way of Henderson County," Will Hendricks, Search Committee Chair and 2015 Chair of UWHC Board of Directors, said in a news release. "With her immense nonprofit experience and exceptionally strong leadership, we know she will lead us forward with Henderson County 2025, United Way's Ten-Year Plan to Improve our Community."

 Long most recently served as the Executive Director of International House, a nonprofit serving Charlotte's international community. She was formerly the Executive Director of NC LEAF, a statewide loan repayment assistance program for public interest attorneys, and Safe Space, a four-county domestic violence program. She holds a BA from Wake Forest University, a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Theological Seminary, and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An ordained United Church of Christ minister, she has served as an interim pastor at congregations in Chapel Hill and Elon, NC and Lorain, Ohio.

"I am delighted to join the exceptional team at UWHC," Long said. "This wonderful organization is held in high regard for mobilizing resources and contributing to a better life for all residents of Henderson County. I believe our community is stronger when everyone has the opportunity to succeed, so I'm excited about supporting HC2025. I look forward to meeting many United Way partners and stakeholders very soon."

Long is married to Bruce Holliday. They share three adult children and one spoiled Chihuahua. When not at work, she can be found in a kayak, on a trail or looking for a good fishing spot. She will join UWHC April 1.