DEBBIE HILLS has dedicated the last 25 years to making Southern Kentucky a better place for everyone. Through her leadership as president and CEO of United Way of Southern Kentucky, she continues a legacy that began over 135 years ago with United Way’s mission to build stronger, more resilient communities. Founded in 1887 as the Charity Organization Society, United Way initially focused on collecting funds for local charities, coordinating relief services, and connecting individuals with vital resources.
Today, that work endures across 1,200 local chapters in the U.S. and 1,800 worldwide, each striving to meet the evolving needs of communities.
Serving 95% of U.S. communities and 37 countries, United Way brings people together to tackle tough challenges through partnerships with private, public, and nonprofit sectors. It fosters improvements in education, economic mobility, and health care access.
In Southern Kentucky, United Way has been a vital part of the community since 1956. At its helm is president and CEO Debbie Hills, whose leadership over the past 25 years has strengthened the community she calls home.
Before joining United Way, Hills spent 17 years in management at Fruit of the Loom, handling trademark licensing, brand management, and marketing. She thrived in her corporate role but made a tough decision to leave her career when her mother’s health began to decline.
“I had opportunities to continue in the same field but would have had to relocate to places like New York or Los Angeles,” Hills explained. “When I learned about a position with United Way, I felt it was where I needed to be, doing the work I was meant to do.”
She started as the director of community impact, working with volunteers and funding partners to allocate resources effectively each year. She also immersed herself in the community, identifying its unique needs and forming partnerships with local organizations. Hills quickly advanced, becoming executive vice president and now president and CEO for the last nine years.
“In a small nonprofit, there’s a lot of role overlap,” Hills said. “Each position [is] built on the skills and experience from the last. My business acumen from Fruit of the Loom has been invaluable in leading the organization and making strategic decisions.”
Hills’ determination has helped United Way of Southern Kentucky navigate numerous challenges. “Our biggest challenge is that there are always more needs than resources,” she shared. “While we have a generous community, we must be strategic in investing the resources we have to create the maximum impact.”
Early childhood education is a big part of United Way’s strategy under Hills’ leadership.
“We’re committed to creating long-term change, focusing on education and kindergarten readiness,” she said. “When children enter school ready to succeed, it impacts their entire lives and decreases their need for social services as adults.”
Despite the challenges, Hills finds inspiration in the community’s resilience. “The generosity here is remarkable,” she said. “During the pandemic and the 2021 tornado, people immediately stepped up to support one another, with donations and volunteers pouring in. Following the tornado, over $3 million was contributed to United Way to help victims, demonstrating the power of community in difficult times.”
Hills emphasizes that everyone can be part of United Way’s impact on Southern Kentucky. “There are volunteer opportunities throughout the year, and we always welcome contributions,” she said. “We’re also glad to educate people about our work so they can find where they best fit.”
Hills and her team are driven by a shared vision: “We want every member of the community to be educated, healthy, and financially stable. While we’re far from achieving that goal, we’re seeing a movement that’s setting up children and youth for success. As they grow, their lives will follow a different, more positive path,” she explained.
“Though the pandemic and tornado set us back, they’ve only strengthened our resolve. We’re digging in, working harder, and being smarter as we move forward.” GN
