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Our Staff

We’re here to make a difference in our community and forge relationships so that all can thrive. Learn more about us and get in touch by sending a message.

Leslie-Salling

Leslie Dalton

President & CEO

Leslie joined United Way of East TN Highlands midway through 2019 as the Director of Resource Development and was elevated to President & CEO in October of 2020. 

Prior to United Way, Leslie spent three years as a Director of Development for the ETSU Foundation, as well as six years at CASA of Northeast TN with the final four years as the Executive Director (2012-2016). She is a graduate of the Unicoi County Leadership Program, and currently the co-chair of the Johnson City Washington County Leadership Program. Leslie holds a degree in Communications Arts/Journalism and a Master’s of Public Administration with a specialty in Nonprofit Management. Growing up in the military, she is proud to call Northeast Tennessee home.

Message Leslie
Kat Latham

Kat Latham

NETN Regional Director
of Disaster Recovery

 With a background in nonprofit leadership, emergency response, emergency management, and disaster recovery, Kat Latham accepted the position of NE TN Regional Director of Disaster Recovery for the United Way of East TN Highlands spearheading the efforts to address post-Hurricane Helene recovery across Cocke, Carter, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties.
 
As the Regional Director of Disaster Recovery, Kat plays a critical role in coordinating efforts among the multiple counties to ensure a unified and effective recovery strategy. She serves as the primary liaison between United Way and the region’s long-term recovery groups, providing direct support to local executive directors while fostering collaboration, addressing shared challenges, and identifying funding opportunities to meet the diverse needs of affected communities.
 
Kat’s extensive experience uniquely positions her for success in this role. As Operations & Training Officer for the Washington County/Johnson City Emergency Management Agency, she managed resource coordination in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during Hurricane Helene, assisted in recovery efforts and guided the formation of the county long-term recovery group. She also
developed disaster preparedness and response plans, conducted training programs for the community and emergency personnel, and built partnerships with community stakeholders to address recovery challenges comprehensively.
 
Kat’s credentials include graduation from the National Emergency Management Basic Academy and numerous FEMA certifications, including advanced courses in emergency planning, incident command, and disaster recovery coordination. Her experience extends to serving as a firefighter, an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and HazMat Technician.
 
Kat lives in Johnson City, TN with her beautiful family and two very spoiled dogs.
Message Kat
Luke Headshot

Luke Smythe

Finance Director

Luke joined United Way of East Tennessee Highlands in July 2025 as Finance Director, bringing with him a strong foundation in financial analysis, accounting, and strategic planning. His career began as a Financial Accountant at Christian Medical & Dental Associations, where he served with a focus on nonprofit stewardship and fiscal transparency. Luke later worked as a Health & Welfare Client Analyst at Alight Solutions, LLC, where he honed his skills in data-driven decision-making and benefits analysis within the corporate sector.
 
Growing up in East Tennessee, Luke developed a deep appreciation for the region’s natural beauty and tight-knit communities. The Appalachian mountains and the local community remain a source of inspiration and comfort, grounding his dedication to strengthening local impact through his work.
 
At United Way, Luke combines his professional expertise with a lifelong connection to the area to help ensure responsible financial practices that support the organization’s mission to improve lives in education, health, and financial stability.
 
Luke lives in East Tennessee with his wife, Jess, and their two daughters, Eloise and Darcy, and their cat Lucy. Whether hiking through the mountain trails or spending time with family, he finds joy in the simple, daily moments and a deep purpose in serving the community he calls home. He also loves to nerd out with his family and friends about his hobbies, including anything related to Star Wars, learning new languages, reading or watching good stories, and playing boardgames or video games with friends.
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Gabby

Gabriella Ammiano

Community Investment Coordinator

Gabriella joined United Way of East Tennessee Highlands in August as the Executive Assistant and Data Entry Specialist. A summa cum laude graduate of St. Petersburg College, she brings expertise in data entry, communication, and nonprofit support. Originally from New Port Richey, Florida, Gabriella now calls Watauga, TN, home, where she enjoys the region’s natural beauty and strong community. Passionate about volunteering and making a difference, she loves meeting people and seeing the impact of community engagement. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, oil painting, reading, and spending time with her husband and their two adorable bunnies, Merry and Pippin.

Kim-Schlager

Kim Schlager

Community Outreach Coordinator

Originally from Atlanta, Kim fell in love with the mountains and close-knit community of Northeast Tennessee. A recent graduate of ETSU with a BA in English, her summers were spent working at Doe River Gorge, where she came into the role of Teen Leadership Coordinator. Her role of organizing, training, and volunteering strengthened her desire to see the community thrive. While in college she helped manage The Coffee Company in Elizabethton, where she deepened her ties to the community. She is looking forward to further strengthen these relationships throughout Carter County.

She loves hiking and camping with her husband and two dogs. Together, they have a desire to positively impact their community.

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Seth Hice

Seth Hice

Director of Communications

Seth joined the United Way team in March of 2025 as Director of Communications. Previously working with the Elizabethton Chamber of Commerce for over 6 years, Seth has experience working with a multitude of community organizations and businesses to find engaging solutions to any of their communication needs.

A graduate of Milligan College with a major in graphic design, he enjoys working with web design, publications, photography, and more to help craft our image.

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