Lori Jones-Perkins, Executive Director
Lori was named Executive Director effective July 31, 2023. Lori has a deep understanding of non-profit work in Knox County and served as the Executive Director of New Directions for 5 years and the Assistant Director for Knox County Head Start for 8 years. She has partnered with several of our United Way funded agencies as part of her previous professional work. As the new Executive Director, Lori is committed to educating our community on the efforts of United Way of Knox County’s focus areas of education, financial stability, and health. Lori intends to do this by creating a visible workplace campaign each year and continuing to build new relationships in our community while fostering established relationships with donors. Lori holds a master’s degree in Marriage & Family Counseling from Liberty University and her undergrad is from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. A 2016 Leadership Knox graduate, Lori is a lifelong resident of Knox County and resides in Apple Valley with her husband, William. They have two grown children, Carter & Mya. In their spare time, you will find them cheering on the MVNU Men’s basketball team, traveling, or spending time with their extended family.
Dee Hoeflich, Office Manager
United Way welcomed Dee Hoeflich as Office Manager in 2017. Dee comes to us from the American Red Cross of Knox County where she worked for 11 years in range of different positions. Dee brings vast office management skills and great customer service expertise to our organization.
Victoria Leach, Administrative Associate
Victoria joined our United Way team in January of 2023. She is an Alumni from our very own, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish! After graduating college, Victoria spent 4 years devoting her time to different roles within The Salvation Army. She has a heart for the non-profit world, and even more so, for people. Outside of work, you will either find Victoria at the gym or at home endlessly building forts with her 3-year-old son!
Halle Krajenski, Program Director
Halle joined United Way in 2022. With a passion for supporting people, addressing social needs, and strengthening the community’s growth and vibrancy, she works directly with community members and agency partners who contribute so much to the well-being of Knox County. Halle is a Knox County native and returned to our community after graduating from Wittenberg University in 2013. She serves on the Experience Mount Vernon Board of Directors, New Direction’s Prevention Advisory Committee, Get Healthy Knox County, Knox Substance Abuse Action Team, Workdev, ROX (Ruling Our Experiences), and the Parent Support Initiative of Knox County as a Triple P Practitioner.
Walt Lewis, Resource Navigator
Walt joins the United Way in 2022 after retiring from a 33-year career teaching seventh and eighth grade students English and Reading at Mount Vernon Middle School. Originally a Pittsburgh native, Walt brings a variety of work, education, and community experience to United Way. He holds degrees from Geneva College in Pennsylvania, Ohio Wesleyan University, and Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Additionally, he is an active community member throughout the years where he has served on church committees, choirs, and various school related committees. He is a strong advocate for all the great qualities that our community and Knox County has to offer. Walt resides in Mount Vernon with his wife, Nancy a Mount Vernon City Schools retired teacher, and he enjoys biking, hiking, gardening, home remodeling, traveling and Therapy Dog visits with his two Collie dogs, Allie and Tanner. He has a daughter, Emily, who is also a high school Latin teacher. Walt looks forward to helping build a stronger communication network so clients* can more easily navigate the variety of excellent resources Knox County has to offer.