05/15/2026
Speaking to our club on Friday, Kristen Swann is the President and CEO at the United Way of South Central Tennessee. United Way of South Central Tennessee is fighting for a community where every person, no matter their background, their abilities, or their zip code, has an equal chance at a bright future. They fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community.
Chartered as the "United Givers Fund" in 1956, the new organization raised $36,000 in its first year. That was four times more than the local Community Chest raised the year before in 1955. Chartering board members of UWRCC were Cecil Adams, Clyde Fite, Earle Rees, Donald Knight, Jack Weatherford, John Bragg, Hollis Donnell, Ellis Gray, Sam Lasseter, Frank Clardy, Bernard Goldstein, W.E. Landers, Q.M. Smith, J.D. Swartzbaugh, and J.J. Jewell Jr. Three of the founding board members were present to celebrate United Way's 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2006.
In 1956, the United Way partnering agencies consisted of The Council of Social Agencies, Bradley Cafeteria, Crichlow Cafeteria, McFadden Cafeteria, United Defense Fund, Traveler's Aid, Franklin Heights Nursery, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the USO.
In 1982, the United Givers Fund was transformed into the United Way of Rutherford County under the leadership of Dot Harrison, the first female board chair. The organization began serving Cannon County in the early 1990s, and in 2005 the name changed to United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties. The United Way grossed $100,000 in 1968, $1 million in 1991, and $2 million in 1999. The 2013-2014 campaign reached $3.4 million. The United Way grossed $100,000 in 1968, $1 million in 1991, and $2 million in 1999. The 2013-2014 campaign reached $3.4 million. The United Way grossed $100,000 in 1968, $1 million in 1991, and $2 million in 1999. The 2013-2014 campaign reached $3.4 million.
Today, the United Way of South Central Tennessee continues to meet and exceed its campaign goals. In 2023, the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties expanded to serve Lincoln, Bedford, Rutherford, Cannon Counties, and in 2024, Coffee, Warren, and Moore Counties. Your local United Way takes pride in being an accountable, efficient and transparent community impact organization.
For the past 13 years, Swann has served in marketing and community impact roles in both non-profit and for-profit organizations. Swann holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree in Communication from Middle Tennessee State University. Swann has served in several volunteer organizations, including Junior League of Murfreesboro and Murfreesboro Young Professionals. She has twice been nominated for the Athena Young professional award with Rutherford Cable and has served on committees with Kymari House and Center for the Arts. She is also a 2022 graduate of Leadership Rutherford and a 2024 graduate of the Ascension Saint Thomas Commonwealth Society. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her husband Travis, her daughter Charlie, and their cats Frank and Flossie.
