Arianne Dillon

Arianne Dillon has served on the United Way of Western Kentucky board since 2019.  She works for Paducah Bank as Vice President/Commercial Relationship Manager.  Arianne says, "I love the United Way's collaboration with other community organizations, business and government to do the most good.  I've always felt assured by the high degree of accountability the United Way sets for partner agencies and its donor-drive community investment process."  

Lynsi Barnhill

Lynsi Barnhill has served on the United Way Board of Directors since 2019. She works at Paducah Public Schools as the director of Food and Nutrition Services.  Lynsi says, “The impact of United Way’s critical services provide equitable, authentic care for our community.”

Leigh Ann Ballegeer

Leigh Ann Ballegeer has served on the United Way board since 2020.  She works at Mercy Health – Lourdes Hospital as the director of community health.  Leigh Ann says, “The United Way and Mercy Health share similar visions, focused on improving the health and well-being of our community, specifically those who are underserved. This region is incredibly generous and caring, and it's wonderful to see so many people working together for the common good.”

Lesley Owen

Lesley Owen has served on the United Way Board of Directors since 2014.  She is a partner at the law firm of Keuler, Kelly, Hutchins, Blankenship & Sigler.  Lesley says, “The United Way is important to me because it serves as a vital link between our community and our non-profit partner agencies.  The United Way has a unique ability to check the pulse on our local community and mobilize resources to respond to its needs.”

Sherry Wessel

Sherry Wessel has served on the United Way board since 2018.  She works at Harrah’s Casino as senior vice-president and general manager.  Sherry says, “United Way serves our community in so many ways- through financially supporting partner agencies, educating people about the needs of the community, coordinating volunteers and collaborating with community leaders on emerging needs.”

LaToya Burton

LaToya Burton has served on the United Way Board of Directors since 2022.  She is the human resources director and executive assistant at the Housing Authority of Paducah.

Betsy Burkeen

United Way of Western Kentucky's Chief Executive Officer, Betsy Burkeen, has been with the organization since 2013.  She is responsible for overall management, development, and strengthening community relations and impact work.

Prior to joining the United Way, Betsy worked in marketing and advertising. She is a graduate of Murray State University.

She says, “Most days, “working” at the United Way of Western Kentucky isn’t really work at all – it’s a passion. The United Way’s impact work in the areas of education, income, and health and the high accountability standards ensure that every donor dollar is utilized so we can offer the greatest level of support to the most people. It’s a honor to play a role in uplifting my neighbors.”

Maressa Young-White

United Way of Western Kentucky Regional Impact Manager Maressa Young-White started with the organization in 2024.  She is responsible for the United Way’s engagement with individuals, non-profit organizations and other partners as it seeks to improve conditions in education, income and health. You would contact Maressa if you are interested in volunteering, helping schools and their students, or addressing broader community needs like better employment, improved health and wellness and greater home security.

Maressa has a rich nonprofit history serving as the Community Outreach and Lay Legal Program Supervisor at Sojourner Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking Center in Arizona. Prior to her move to Arizona she worked in many capacities at the Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center and Paducah Head Start.

Maressa says, “The work of the United Way is so fulfilling because I believe in unity, equality, and opportunity for every person regardless of life circumstances. We should collaborate, for the benefit of everyone, striving, as always, to Live United.”

Susan Gibson

United Way of Western Kentucky Office Manager, Susan Gibson, has been with the organization since 2013.  She is responsible for managing the operations of the financial system and performing administrative, bookkeeping and data processing duties.

Prior to taking this position, Susan worked for the City of Paducah for many years.

Susan says, “I believe in our United Way.  Not only do we impact the community through excellent collaboration with our partner agencies, we apply a high degree of accountability for the donors’ dollars.  Everything given is used as its intended:  to improve education, income and health right here in Paducah-McCracken County.”

Kelly Davis

United Way of Western Kentucky's Chief Operations Officer Kelly Davis has been with the organization since 2021.  She is responsible for improving overall operations, fundraising efforts and efficiencies while engaging the donor community to support the United Way mission.

Prior to taking this position, Kelly was the Member Services Director for the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce.  She is a graduate of Murray State University. 

She says, "I'm humbled and privileged to be a part of the United Way team.  It's an exciting opportunity to build on the strong foundation of the United Way of Western Kentucky and the vital assistance they offer to the people in our area."